CANADIAN DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: LUCIA KINGHORN

Feb 10

3 min read

Last week proved that Canadian patriotism runs deep. As people across the country continue to rally together to encourage a buy Canadian mindset, we want to shine a spotlight on one Canadian designer who has been part of the Cloth Hall community since its inception.

Lucia Kinghorn, a Toronto-based textile designer with a vivid escapist aesthetic, is focused on sustainability as she creates maximalist patterns that command attention. In 2022, Lucia launched her eponymous label consisting of an eccentric collection of vibrant silk scarves and apparel. She has since expanded into textiles, produced entirely in Canada, and wallcoverings for interiors.

While international relations dominated our news feeds, Cloth Hall had a chance to ask Lucia what it means to be a Canadian designer today, and what she feels the future holds for Canadian design.

Lucia Kinghorn Textiles for Interiors _ Pigeon Wing

Lucia Kinghorn, Pigeon Wing

CH: How does your Canadian heritage influence your design choices?

LK: To be raised in Canada is to be exposed to many different cultures and histories. This encourages curiosity, awareness, and experimentation.

CH: Are there any particular aspects of Canadian culture that you find inspirational?

LK: I’m often struck by how much growing up in Canada during the ‘70s inspires my work. I remember a lot of angst and discovery around the question of what makes us Canadian. I have a very emotional attachment to and vivid memories of the palettes, styles, music, and fashion of that era, all of which have informed how I now define “Canadian."

Lucia Kinghorn _ Textiles for Interiors _ Flutter Plaid

Lucia Kinghorn, Flutter Plaid

CH: Do you think there is a recognizable Canadian design aesthetic? If so, what, in your opinion, are its key characteristics?

LK: Multiculturalism and diversity provide unique voices as we all approach the Canadian mosaic through our own filter. Also, I think Canadians naturally look outwards and are open to a variety of distinct and contrasting influences. This results in a very worldly viewpoint.

CH: Which Canadian designers/brands, active now or in the past, do you admire most and why?

LK: There are many Canadian designers whose lines I love! Erdem for ethereal and romantically beautiful elevated clothing that’s edgy – not too sweet. Smythe for being geniuses at combining fabulous prints with exceptional fit. Architect Moshe Safdie for designing Habitat '67, and being a visionary behind Expo '67. I grew up in Montreal and Safdie and his work were a huge influence.

Studio Roslyn, an interior design and creative studio based in Vancouver, for being exceptionally adept at mixing diverse styles.

There also is a number of small and emerging Canadian brands, each with its own compelling and unique aesthetics – and they just happen to be women-owned and sustainability-minded. To name a few: Lolo Crochète, Cinelli Maillet, and Maguire Shoes.

CH: How has growing up in Canada shaped your design perspective?

LK: I’m curious and I love referencing history and a variety of styles in my work. I attribute my perspective to having benefitted from an open, experimental, and optimistic Canadian education.

Lucia Kinghorn Textiles for Interiors _ Seashell Samba

Lucia Kinghorn, Seashell Samba

CH: Do you think Canadian design is often overlooked on the international stage? If so, how can we change that?

LK: I think if Canadian design has been overlooked it's because we are not very loud; we don't toot our own horn. I also think there is a lack of organization to the promotion of Canadian design outside Canada - whether within the government, trade associations, and/or among independent brands. For example, when I visit international trade shows, I notice that there is a strength in numbers strategy employed by many other countries - a dedicated pavilion and in some cases entire halls promoting a specific country or region. I’ve never seen a “Canada” pavilion unifying our Canadian design voice for exhibitors and attendees. It feel this is a very low hanging fruit.

CH: Have you encountered challenges in your field that you can attribute to being based in Canada?

LK: I am fortunate to have discovered Canadian-based suppliers to work with. This would not have been the case even a few years ago. Discovering more and more options is exciting and encouraging. Something positive that hopefully will develop from the current situation will be the advent of more suppliers for the local design community to partner with.

CH: What do you think the future holds for Canadian brands, including your own?

LK: Canada is a relatively small market and if you are a unique brand, like mine, your customer base is smaller. To survive, we must think globally and strategically analyze the world as a potential marketplace.