Q&A: 5 minutes with Isabelle Fish

When it comes to accessories, Isabelle Fish, owner of Rue Pigalle (ruepigalle.ca), swims against the current. Her charming Yorkville boutique is stocked with avant-garde international labels, many of which are exclusive to her store, including Noritamy (jewellery), Martine Boissy (scarves) and Lena Erziak (bags). Here, this lawyer–turned–fashion entrepreneur talks bright colour, the art of buying, and bold evening bags.

When did your love of accessories begin?
“I grew up in a family that revered craftsmen and craftsmanship, so I knew I wanted to be in the business of beautiful objets. My mother was extremely elegant and taught me about managing a small wardrobe of simple garments, and giving it flair with beautifully crafted accessories.”

What is the significance behind your boutique’s name?
“Rue Pigalle used to be the main street in Paris’s red-light district. I liked the contrast between the elegance of the collections I carry and the naughtiness [of this] forbidden place.”

What do you look for on buying trips?
“Items that create an emotion when I look at them, touch them, wear them and smell them. It’s very important for leather to have a rich, voluptuous smell. I also check that the collections are made by hand in the designer’s atelier and that they are not already available in Canada.”

What are the accessory trends this spring?
“Strong colours and patterns. Philippe Roucou’s bags are emphasized in bubble-gum pink and turquoise, and Stéphanie Césaire’s hobo bags come in acidic colours.”

Why are the lines you carry special to you?
“Many of the designers are masters in their art. Lena Erziak handbags all have 24-karat gold-plated hardware, even down to the smallest screw.”

The post Q&A: 5 minutes with Isabelle Fish appeared first on FASHION Magazine.