Alumna shines spotlight on graduating student’s couture

Ela Aldorsson, Fashion ’05 knows when it comes to fashion, exposure can make all the difference.

After attending Ryerson’s Mass Exodus 2016 fashion show and admiring a gown from graduating student Van Yanez’s Midnight Garden collection, she thought she could support the designer by wearing his dress to the 3rd annual Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA). Van agreed, and was delighted when Ela featured his clothes on her social media and at other high-profile fashion events.

“Being in the industry and having many fashion-related events, I thought it would be neat to sport a new up and coming Canadian designer and promote him and his creations,” says Ela.

“I was very flattered when I found out Ela wanted to wear one of my gowns to CAFA,” says Van. “She looked absolutely stunning in the red silk and illusion lace embroidered dress,” he adds.

As a Ryerson School of Fashion alumna, and hailing from an entrepreneurial family, Ela always envisioned having her own business. Prior to achieving success with ela, an approachable luxury handbag and accessories brand she co-founded with her husband Martin, she spent almost a decade working for high-end fashion companies like Hermès and Burberry.

“We saw an opportunity in handbags and accessories to bridge the gap between fast fashion and luxury. We wanted to offer pieces that were high in quality, authentic in design, functional and approachable – pieces that I myself was looking for,” says Ela.

With the likes of Sophie Trudeau donning their clutches during her recent trip to Washington, it’s evident ela is creating what many others are looking for too. Some words of advice to those aiming to follow a similar path? “Get a mentor. Be a sponge. And travel! The eye must always travel to be inspired.”

Van is already heeding the words of his fellow alumnus, and hopes to have the opportunity to work with her again in the near future. In the meantime, he is busy designing the next luxury evening wear collection under his own ICYB label, and contemplating a move to Europe or Asia where he sees more potential for this type of fashion. One thing is for certain, with the spotlight Ela has shone on his work, there are a lot of eyes watching for what this talented designer creates next.

You can follow Ela and Van on social media at @elahandbags (external link)  and @vanyanez (external link) .