CANADIAN FASHION DESIGNER NOEMI HARVEY
Canadian Fashion Designer Noémi Harvey
Noémi Harvey is a 23y/o Canadian designer from Quebec City, who started her brand almost two years ago while being an entrepreneurship student in university. Since she is a little girl, she had always wanted to become a fashion designer, that’s why she started sewing at the age of 13. After her high school years, she went to a fashion design program in college where she learned everything she needed to know to design clothes but something was missing, which was the business part. Then she went to university in entrepreneurship and she falls in love with the “business sphere” and that’s where Allcovered started. She likes to say that she is more a businesswoman than an artist and she thinks that will be the key to her success.
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
I just always knew. When I was a child, the only two things I did were drawing and playing with Barbie’s. I was even drawing some clothing catalogs! Nobody was surprised when I said I wanted to start my clothing line.
What’s it like being in the Fashion industry?
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is kind of tough and I can’t say it’s easy. Although I’m very passionate I also surround myself with good people. I have a lot of designer friends but also a lot of entrepreneur friends so it helps me to keep a balance in my professional life and always have clear thoughts.
How is the fashion industry in Quebec?
Here fashion is not a competition. There’s a great sense of collaboration in the emerging fashion industry in Quebec and most of us are happy about the success of each other. As I said before, it’s really important to surround yourself with good people so I don’t get to see too much of the “dark side” of the fashion industry.
What was your first job in the fashion industry?
I’ve worked a lot in boutiques as a manager and I also worked in a fabric boutique. I became really good at selling clothes and I learned a lot about the different fabrics and how they work. When I was in my fashion design program, I did an internship at a Montreal brand, Bodybag by Jude and that’s where I said to me that that’s what I wanted to do with my life.
Talk about the changes in your life since you’ve your own Brand.
I’m very lucky, my family, friends, and boyfriend support me a lot and that’s very motivating. It’s sure that my life changed a lot, especially when more than a year ago, it became my full-time job. Lots of people don’t understand what it’s like to be an entrepreneur and mostly a fashion designer, some think it’s easy to create garments! I’m very grateful for the chance I have to live off my passion and I hope it will stay that way until my death!
How do you choose your inspiration?
Everybody asks me that question but I always have a boring answer which is I don’t have a big artistic approach; I just create timeless pieces inspired by my clients. I sure have my own style, minimalist, asymmetric and neutral but everything is created to be worn.
In one word: how would you define yourself as a designer?
Determined
What advice would you pass along to those starting in the Fashion Business?
Be prepared. A clothing line is a business so it’s really important to be prepared and to know where you are going. Have a strong vision and surround yourself; your network is your best friend.
What was the inspiration for your last collection?
At Allcovered, we don’t have collections. We offer a range of timeless quality pieces that will go through times. Everything is neat, simple, minimalist but with a little touch of boldness!
To know more about Noemi, and her collection please visit: All Covered Fashion
