Fashion designer Andrew Coimbra made a surprising switch during the last part of 2020- trading Toronto for pastures anew in Montreal. Here, Lauren Walker Lee texts her fashion friend to catch up and see what brought on this exciting change.
Lauren W-L
Andrew! Oh my gosh it’s been so long , Happy New Year! Lauren W-L writing , I hope you’ve been keeping well. We didn’t really get to catch up at the end of last year and I found out you quietly moved to MTL! Wow…. what made you make the change?
Andrew Coimbra
Hey Lauren!! Happy new year to you, too ?✨ I’ve been well – you know me, I like to keep busy. How have you been? The move to Montréal is a fun, but long story. Long story short: I was offered a position with Mackage to join their Womenswear Design team!
LWL
I’m well too thank you, but oh my goodness I wasn’t expecting that! I was expecting just a change of scenery! Can you fill me in on just a few of those story details?
AC
Sure! – I interviewed for several weeks, and then when they finally offered me a position, my requested start date was a week later – so the move was very quick and sudden. I was looking for a change, so it was really welcomed. The team is incredibly talented, and the quality of the garments is outstanding. I don’t know if you know, but I’ve always had a full-time job while working on my own Andrew Coimbra label. Prior to Mackage I was at Canada Goose for almost three years!
LWL
I truly had no idea! So there is no reason for the AC to cease?
AC
No, I don’t think so. I obviously just can’t continue with categories that conflict with Mackage – outerwear, joggers, hoodies, t’s and sweatshirts. It worked out pretty organically because I wanted to steer my own label into a more ready-to-wear vibe with a focus on contemporary suiting and sculptural wear.
LWL
That is so amazing. What do you think was the catalyst for changing the direction for the brand?
AC
I honestly was getting tired of my label feeling too casual – something about it wasn’t sitting well with me. I think I feel like I was restricted by the things I could explore, in a weird way? I wanted to find opportunities to continue exploring texture, shape, and form.
LWL
Does Montréal feel like a great place for this new chapter in your designs?
AC
I feel like right now it’s hard to say, because of the restrictions caused by the pandemic…
But certainly the rent here is lower, which is NICE!! ? I think having a fresh start in a ‘new’ city is enough at the moment to keep my creative juices going.
LWL
Where are you living?
AC
I’m living right downtown! Near Saint-Catherine and Saint-Laurent
LWL
And what was it like once you moved did you enjoy the city before the second wave of winter ? Fill me in on any cool bars and restaurants
AC
Oh, ya – it was nice because similarly to Toronto, the restaurants and bars were open at the time, so I was able to go and socialize (within reason, obvi).
There’s a great spot called Agrikol (which is owned by part of Arcade Fire – although, I think it might’ve closed permanently due to COVID ?). Another dope spot is SuWu – an atmosphere like La Carnita in Toronto, but not Mexican. Food, Lloydies has amazing Jamaican food; the jerk chicken is delicious.
And, of course because I’m a sucker for drag queens, Cabaret Mado is always fun to go to, when we aren’t subject to restrictions… a SUPER CUTE spot with good drinks and great vibes is Club Pelicano. The decor is well thought out and the music they play is really fun.
This all makes me sound like I’ve been really haphazard about how I handle COVID-19 and social distancing, but I promise it was all with masks on and during periods where the government of Quebec deemed in-restaurant dining to be acceptable, etc. And only with the same 6 people in my life.
LWL
What do you miss about Toronto?
AC
Well, of course I miss my family and my close group of friends. I think because of the pandemic and not being able to go out, I’m not really feeling emotional in terms of things I’d otherwise “miss about/in the city”; I’d be mostly stuck inside if I were there. Lol
LWL
Is there anything in Montreal that was an adjustment that wouldn’t have crossed your mind
AC
Mmmm no… not that I can think of, tbh.
Maybe like, just getting used to the areas and what each one of them mean/represent socially (like King West = this vibe, Rosedale = that vibe, etc)
LWL
What’s the difference in the fashion and style?
Well, I think people have been in this haze of comfort and convenience for the last year, and I feel like that people are starting to want to get “back to normal”, but with the added twist of fantasy and flare. Meaning, there is a desire to get dressed up again, in a more meaningful and expressive way. That’s what I think, anyway.
LWL
Have you done any shopping?
AC
Mmm not too much, to be honest. Most of the shopping I’ve done has been furniture and houseware shopping for my new place. I did get this really cool t-shirt from an LA-based, Black-owned label called Club Fantasy – it’s got a great graphic on it that has an anti-racism/BLM message.
LWL
Can you give me any inside scoop on upcoming Andrew Coimbra collections
AC
Im excited because I plan on releasing my Autumn/Winter 2021 look book soon. I’m still exploring the core foundation of the label; genderless tailoring, but expanding the womenswear sub-line.
LWL
I look forward to a summer trip to Montreal ! And a proper tete a tete. But I have to ask …… How is your french?
AC
Hahaha my French alright! It is, as my Tinder bio says, “60% French…”. I can get by, but it’s not Québécois so whenever I try speaking it here there is a little bit of a hump in terms of communication. Or maybe I’m not as good as I think I am! ?
LWL
Talk soon my friend.
AC
Nice chatting with you!