Vancouver-based clothing brand pushes for good style and social change

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When Kate Pierre set out to create her own fashion line, she knew she wanted it to be about more than just good style.

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“I only use BIPOC models in photo campaigns as a way to normalize our faces within the industry,” the Vancouver-based designer and owner behind the brand Kate&Frances says. “As a woman of colour, I love to see faces like mine and I want to show that representation does truly matter, because, to quote Issa Rae, ‘You can’t be, what you can’t see.’”

In addition to inclusive advertising, the line offers a curated selection of locally manufactured, made-to-order clothing. We caught up with Pierre to learn more.

Q. For those who aren’t familiar, what is Kate&Frances?

A. Kate&Frances is a sustainable fashion brand based in Vancouver. I started the brand because I couldn’t find the style of clothing I wanted to wear, after moving to Vancouver in 2013. And, after working in the fashion industry for 20 years, I decided to just do it!

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The brand is built around the principals of identity, self-expression and representation. Knowing who you are — or having the curiosity to explore — having a wardrobe that is flexible to be able to express who you are on any given day, and normalizing Black, Brown and BIPOC faces in the fashion industry. Both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

Q. Is there a story behind the name?

A. Yes! My first name is Kate and my middle name is Frances. I believe that we all have two parts to us. Our ego and our self. I just happen to name mine Kate and Frances. They can bicker and argue and disagree but as I create, these two work together. The exterior is the Kate that people see and hear, and the internal is Frances who is more introspective and intuitive — the part that is hidden.

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Together they create these silhouettes that are classic — and maybe a little different than what we are used to seeing in mainstream fashion. The designs are simple from first glance, but once you look further, you see the complexity and thought that goes into each piece.

Q. Who is the target customer?

A. Our customers vary greatly. Individuals from mid-to-late 20s up to 65-plus. From corporate office workers to self-employed entrepreneurs. Our customers love the small-batch production and limited-edition pieces, and they love that they are made here in Vancouver. Our customers come from across Canada, as they search for sustainable brands that fit their aesthetic.

Q. What makes the brand unique?

A. Our voluminous silhouettes provide function and comfort so the wearer can go about their day and feel good about themselves. When you wear a garment that is too tight, or you can’t raise your arms above your head, you feel a little ‘off’. Because we all fit so much into our day, and our minds are busy, thinking about your clothing is just one less thing that you have to do. You know that you can step into any situation in a Kate&Frances piece, so you can concentrate on getting the task done and still look good!

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We also incorporate zero-waste pattern drafting techniques, which means that there is less textile waste within the manufacturing process. Combined with making to order and using deadstock fabrics, this ensures that we are reducing the amount of textile waste during manufacturing and also the amount of leftover stock at each season.

Kate&Frances doesn’t run in seasons. Because we make to order, all our pieces are available at any time. Our styles are designed season-less so that the wearer can continue to wear these pieces season after season.

Q. What is the price range for the pieces?

A. Prices range from $119 to $449.

Q. Lastly, where can people check it out?

A. Our website, Kateandfrances.com is where all our pieces are available, and will also list our future pop-up stores or markets.

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