Standing Armed designer Lindsay Walsh focuses on classic styling, quality
CAN YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR PRODUCTS? WHAT DO YOU DESIGN?
Standing Armed is a contemporary line of women’s clothing with a focus on classic styling and the utmost quality. Garments are made almost entirely of natural fabrics including silk, cotton and wool. The line offers a range of garments from tanks and blouses to dresses, pants and jackets.
HOW DID YOU START YOUR LABEL?
I started Standing Armed in early 2010. It was a very slow and gradual process. Each day I would take on a task: name search, business registration, business licence, bank account. There was a lot of behind- the- scenes set up before I even began to design.
WHY DID YOU START YOUR LABEL?
One of my design objectives is to create clothing that flatters the female form and gives women confidence. The transformative power of clothing is astonishing. Confidence in one’s appearance filters into all other areas of life. The ability to positively impact this area of women’s lives is hugely gratifying.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM FROM YOUR RANGE RIGHT NOW?
My favourite item is currently the Sojourn Tank from the spring/ summer 2013 line. It is made from a slubby raw silk, slit at the side seam with a longer dropped hemline at the back. I can’t wait to wear it all summer.
DO YOU MAKE YOUR PRODUCTS YOURSELF, AND IF NOT, WHERE ARE THEY MANUFACTURED?
From my Vancouver studio I create the styles for each season. I draft the patterns and have samples and production done locally. All garments are produced locally. I knew when I started the line that this was important to me. As a Canadian business I rely heavily on local support and this is my way of supporting the local industry.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I often visit galleries while travelling and it always amazes me that once inside the gallery, you could be anywhere, and the experience you have while visiting can take you anywhere. Walls are broken down within walls.
WHAT’S NEW FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON?
Next fall/ winter will see the introduction of outerwear and knits. Each season, I build upon the line by picking a new challenge for myself. I will only introduce something that I can execute to the highest quality.
WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR YOUR LABEL?
Over the next five years the goal is to build the brand within the Canadian market, from west coast to east. Being based in Vancouver I will establish a showroom here. I also love to work with other local designers, either in the creation process or to support one another’s business. For spring/ summer 2013, I was able to use the jewelry of Bianca Barr, a local designer. Canadian and Vancouver designers working together can only serve to elevate the local design industry.