Fairmont Pacific Rim: Who are you and where are you from?
Beth Richards, Founder of my eponymous label of swimwear. I’m from Toronto, currently living and based in Vancouver.
Tell us a little bit about where your interest in fashion stemmed from?
My love of fashion started in my teenage years experimenting with vintage, and the early club and rave days. I started with home economics and learned to sew. I then started to manipulate clothes and patterns in different ways with unconventional fabrications.
Where did you study fashion? Was there a mentor or someone who inspired your passion?
I studied at the International Academy of Design in Toronto. I was lucky to have taken a previous fashion class in High School (and awarded a scholarship) to further fuel this passion.
How did you start you fashion career?
I started out in film before taking on my first office job at a knit headwear company. My first salaried job was as a production assistant.
Who are your style influences or muses?
90’s Kate Moss, Chloe Sevigny, Gilda Ambrosio.
Where can we find your collections?
In Canada: Fairmont Pac Rim, Holt Renfrew, Gravitypope and Online. Across the globe at Mytheresa, Zalando, and Shopbop to name a few.
Which celebrities have worn your designs?
Khloe Kardashian, Miranda Kerr, Kelly Rowland, Rose Bertram, Charlotte McKinney.
Tell us something people may not know about you.
I love junk food!
How would you describe your personal style? What’s your one prized style possession?
I love to mix vintage with nice things always. Great accessories usually come at a price. Some prized possessions are a vintage jean jacket with guns and roses patches, Philip Lim gladiator sandals and some vintage Prada clogs.
Do you ever get designers block? How do you overcome it?
I certainly have days I feel less inspired than others. Many times I need to remove myself from the process entirely – go for a walk in the woods, thrift, read magazines- allow myself to live in the moment a little and usually the flow comes back.
What is your one guilty pleasure?
KUWTK (Keeping up with the Kardashians).
What is one thing you always travel with?
Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy and a great book.
What’s something really weird that you love?
Coney Island? Although I don’t find it super weird. I love outdoor fairs, the sights and smells –they make me nostalgic.
Finally, what does a globetrotting fashion designer like you consider as your travel uniform?
Nike Rift shoes and leggings for long flights – lightweight and easy care fabrics are always in my suitcase and a lot of black of course!
To keep up with Beth online, visit:
Facebook: @bethrichardsswimwear
Instagram: @bethrichardsswimwear
