STYLE Q&A: CHRIS HOE Backdrop design studio dreams up stylish knitwear
If there’s one thing people know, style-wise, it’s the importance of good knitwear.
A great sweater not only makes a style statement — if it boasts the perfect balance of chic and cosy — it can quickly usurp all other wardrobe items to become a seasonal go-to.
That mix of fashion and function is a big part of the ethos of the Vancouver-based brand Backdrop.
Chris Hoe, the company’s director of operations, chatted with Postmedia News about being a family design studio, what’s new for fall and where he hopes the brand will go from here:
Q: When and why did you first start Backdrop?
A: Backdrop is a family design studio based in Vancouver. After being involved in the fashion industry for 25-plus years, Carol Lenic, the founder and creative director of Backdrop, wanted to take her past experience and knowledge and start her own company focusing on her passion, knitwear. Our first full year of business was in 2016, where we quickly grew the wholesale business to over 300 customers across North America.
Q: For those who aren’t familiar, what is available in the line?
A: Our sole focus is women’s knitwear. We create knitwear in quality yarns, neutral colours and easy silhouettes. We want our knitwear to become the “backdrop” to your wardrobe.
Q: Who is your target customer?
A: Our target customer is a woman between the ages of 25 and 40. Although the word is overused in the fashion industry, we have found our knitwear to be “ageless.”
Q: What’s new for fall-winter? A: We have interpreted streetwear trends into our knitwear designs. Our two best styles from the fall-winter collection are an oversized zip-hoodie and a ribbed bomber jacket.
Aldo, aldoshoes.com | $90 Q: Where are the items made? A: Our sweaters are designed in Vancouver and produced in China in ISO 9001-certified factories. Initially, we wanted to produce the sweaters in Canada. However, we were unable to find sources that were able to meet our production requirements.
Q: What is the price point of Backdrop items?
A: Our sweaters retail from $75 to $160.
Q: Where can people check them out?
A: Backdrop is available online at backdropfashion.com and at over 300 stores across North America. If you would like to find a store in your area where Backdrop is available, please email customer.care@backdropfashion.com. Check us out on Instagram @backdropfashion.
Q: What’s next?
A: We would like to expand outside of North America and start shipping internationally. We have had a number of inquiries about Backdrop from Australia and throughout Europe.