Aleks Susak, fashion designer

Canada’s First Lady wore the Kala hand-painted yellow silk dress from the designer’s SS18 Silk Collection on a recent visit to India.

Aleks Susak launched her namesake womenswear label in Toronto in 2015.

Aleks Susak is once again hitting the headlines, thanks to Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Aleks designs and produces ready to wear collections and specializes in luxury silk and leather garments that are made-to-measure, hand-painted and one-akind under The Silk Collection line and The Leather Collection line.

Notable personalities such as Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Jessica Mulroney and Housewives Joan Walker Kelly, Roxy Earle and Ann Kaplan Mulholland have worn pieces from the collection. The line was featured in the first season of The Real Housewives of Toronto.

You made your debut with your fashion collection in 2015, how easy was the transition from model to designer? Any training involved?

I had experience as a model which greatly helped in the transition to the fashion business. Time spent modeling allowed me to gain a backstage insight into how the fashion world operates, the time designers spent fitting models, creating looks and presenting the overall show to the public. This was a very valuable asset when I launched my first collection.

What hurdles did you have to overcome? Going from Creative to Business?

Being in the fashion business, it is very important to know what you are creating – beyond the passion of design, you have to know what your end client wants and be able to combine your creative vision with functional fashion that is desired today.

Where would you say your main inspiration comes from?

Inspiration comes from a variety of places but most of all travel – observing different cultures and places I get to travel all combine to form new pieces that are a combination of history, architecture, and art.

Who do you keep in your mind’s eye when creating your designs?

I am influenced by friends who come from a variety of walks in life, such as different places where they live, careers and lifestyles they have. I try to make designs wearable for people around me and this reflects the general culture worldwide. Feminine and comfortable pieces, but yet unique and one of a kind.

What prompts high profiles like Mrs. Trudeau to choose one of Aleks’ dresses? How did that relationship come about?

Madame Trudeau is styled by Jessica Mulroney, who always seeks to promote Canadian designers.

Describe your brand aesthetic in 3 words.

Feminine, sophisticated, unique.

Luxury - what is this in your eyes?

Something that only few have an access to. Whether it’s a state of mind, lifestyle, or fashion – it’s only yours.

What is your design to production process?

This varies from season to season. Sometimes it’s coming across beautiful fabric that in turn dictates the design or viceversa.

What is it about the industry that you find alluring/intoxicating?

The beauty of this business is the endless ideas and opportunities. You can always do something new if you set your mind to it.

What is glamour to you?

Glamour is when a woman walks into a room and all eyes are on her, regardless of what she is wearing. It’s an attitude.