With a phenomenal design career that has no plans of slowing down, a thriving brand that has expanded outside of Canada, season after season has one of the most anticipated collections during World Mastercard Fashion Week, and a handsome hubby who is Canadian fashion royalty…it’s safe to say Kimberley Newport-Mimran is Canada’s First Lady of fashion. The last several months have been really busy for the mother and mogul. Newport-Mimran just showed her Spring/Summer 2014 collection in October during Toronto Fashion Week to rave reviews; think flouncy pleated skirts, vegan leather, mod geometric patterns, tons of jacquard and bold florals – you can find my review here. During this time the designer was also working on an innovate washable Pink Tartan collection with Tide and until recently was touring the country promoting the line in Holt Renfrew and The Bay.

Kimberley Newport-Mimran at the close of her SS’14 Collection runway show during World Mastercard Fashion Week Photo by George Pimentel

Although Pink Tartan can be found at fine department stores across North America, it’s the brand’s flagship location that people really gravitate towards. The former interior design showroom in the heart of Yorkville was converted into a chic, classy two floor retail space and lifestyle concept store, that almost makes you feel like you’re in a posh townhouse. Inside, one will obviously find the entire Pink Tartan collection but also a carefully curated selection of other designers, accessories and lifestyle products I would imagine are personal faves of the designer. What you can expect to see in store? Glam shades by Thierry Lasry Paris, pieces from Anna Sui, See by Chloe, and Rochas and stunning bags from Mark Cross, which are now on my wishlist. And with the holidays right around the corner, Pink Tartan has some fabulous items perfect for gift giving this season like; dreamy scents from Ortigia Sicilia and Olfactive Studio, Cire Trudon candles, cult beauty products from Tammy Fender, Mariage Freres teas, the Pink Tartan x Keurig collaborative mug (with 100% of the profits going to support the Toronto East General Hospital) and of course Mrs. John L. Strong Fine Stationary to send out Holiday and Thank You cards.

Heavenly scented Cire Trudon candles

Fragrances by Olfactive Studio

Mrs. John L. Strong Fine Stationary

See by Chloe Gold Boots

Photography by Talya Macedo

I recently made a trip over to the flagship, fondly called “77” after its Yorkville Ave address by true Pink Tartan fans, to get some inspiration of my own for holiday party outfits; and to chat with Newport-Mimran about her washable collection project and her top picks for holiday season dressing:

SE:  In recent years I’ve spent a fair amount of money on dry cleaning (much more than I actually would like to admit) so naturally I was thrilled when I first heard about the washable collection you did in conjunction with P&G and Tide. How did this special collaboration come about?

KNM: The idea of caring for your favourite pieces at home is ideal for me. Both fabric and fabric care technology have had such a great advancement. Our team did some research and tested our fabrics to care for at home and our detergent for testing and our choice was Tide.

SE:  Over the  last several years I’ve watched the Pink Tartan brand grow exponentially. Where would you like to see the company be in the next 5 years?

KNM: In the next 5 years, I would love to open more retail stores and grow our presence in international markets.

SE:  With the holiday season quickly approaching, most of us ladies have a ton of events to attend either for work, friends or with family. What are your top picks from your current collection to wear to cocktail events and parties?

KNM:

1. Our  Carey Dress with beautiful textured metallic fabric and contrasting satin back panel – $395

2. The classic Pink Tartan Point Turtle Neck in merino wool with quilted leather elbow patches – $395 paired with our Snake Midi Skirt in black and green – $325

3. This season’s Fit & Flare Vegan Leather Dress in black and gunmetal – $345

Obviously I’m in love with each of these gorge looks but had my eye on a few other fab pieces during my visit. Stay tuned as I will be sharing my fave Pink Tartan looks with you over the next couple of weeks! To view the entire collection, find locations and to shop online head over to www.pinktartan.com.