Love Punk, that's an interesting name, how did you come up with it?

I guess in a way it's an alter ego. I love opposites. I thought, you know, those two words are a bit of a paradox. Underneath that label, I can create street-friendly clothing and also really beautiful elegant clothing in a way. I like a little bit of drama. I like contrast. That's visible in the clothing. 

Did you know you were going to be a fashion designer since you were little?

When I was a kid I made clothes for my dolls. My mom was a seamstress and I had access to fabric.I went to art school and my dad was a graphic designer. I did a little graphic design. I opened my own restaurant in the interior. I catered for film. I was a food stylist for film for a while. Then I went to school for fashion design. About 6 years ago, everything in my life shifted. I decide to sell my restaurant, and go to the city and get my art degree. My personal life also changed and I was in a relationship and it kind of ended.  

What are the struggles in the Vancouver fashion industry?

There are many struggles in starting a business. I think the biggest struggle in fashion is having the population support you. In some city, it's there. You can create anything and could be in the market. In Vancouver, I could really see reaching out. I think Vancouver is still trying to express itself. I think there's a lot of great things happening in the city. I think there are many amazing designers and the identity is still forming. 

Have you ever thought about pursuing fashion in Toronto, New York, etc?

I went traveling in New York, Toronto, Paris, London. I feel like I really want to be local, I want to be a small business. I don't have a burning desire to go international. My home is here and I want to contribute to a life here. I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to be local. 

What inspires you?

I think when I'm struggling with something in the studio, I just think I want it to be beautiful. Beauty inspires me. It's about that urban landscape and the natural landscape. Just urban life - the life we created. The things you see everyday, cherry blossoms, colors. It's the environment. 

Philosophy to the clothes you design or to life? 

One of the things I'm confronted with is mass production in the fashion industry. To survive, you need to up your numbers. I really do believe that less is more. I really want people to fall in love with a piece of clothing that's going to last in their closet. You can't force things. I always come back to the realization there's a life of their own. You have to be open to wherever it wants to go. 

More about Love Punk Clothing?

Everything is handmade. The artwork is mine. The logo is my handwriting. It's all me. Which it does take a little more time. Even the garment tags in the clothing are my handwriting. The clothing is is a mixture of bamboo,cotton,and spandex - it feels so good and you just don't want to take it off.