Designer Profile: Brazen Hussy

By Alicia Baird

It all started with three women, a passion for fashion and a bad split.

Kathleen Pedro, Catriona Smart and Michele Pedro

Dealing with the end of a relationship is never a fun experience, but getting your groove back most certainly is. One woman did just that following a break up by socializing with friends and going on dates. In typical ex fashion her ex-boyfriend phoned her, asking what she’d been up to. When she dished on the details, he responded sourly and said, “So you’ve been quite the brazen hussy lately?”

Despite the jab, the woman and her two friends found the comment laughable and regarded it as an inside joke. With plans of starting a clothing line already in the works, the name calling was the icing on the cake and Brazen Hussy was officially born.

Sisters Michele and Kathleen Pedro and longtime friend Catriona Smart partnered up to create the line. At the time, in 2005, Kathleen, now 31, had just ended her streetwear line, Illish. Meanwhile Michele, now 30, and Catriona graduated from university. Although the two studied biology and political science, Michele believes their shared interests lead them to explore the fashion industry.

“Growing up we were all very much into fashion, shopping and magazines,” says Michele.

“We were really into that kind of stuff, dressing up and trying on clothes. It was something that we actually bonded from.”

Although Catriona is no longer with the company, the sisters and her still remain close friends.

Fall/Winter 2010 Collection

Six years of fashion shows, celebrity nods and media recognition makes it clear that Brazen Hussy has branded themselves successfully. Last year, the sister duo was featured on CTV’s FashionTelevision and the year before they gained a fan – former Playboy Playmate, Jayde Nicole. Through time, their line mainly consisting of dresses, eventually developed its own trademark look. Taking notice of their style, many admirers would often quip, “Oh my god, that is so Brazen!” when looking at the clothing line’s pieces or the mix and match of other garments.

“If you look at some of our pieces from the front, it looks totally classic and is something you could see someone wearing to work,” Michele said.

“But then if you turn it around, the whole back is exposed. It’s that one little detail that makes it Brazen and it’s usually something that’s sexy.”

Speaking of sexy, Brazen Hussy is made for women who embrace their sexuality, and those who are bold and exude confidence.

“She doesn’t mind walking into a room because she can handle herself,” Michele explains.

“She is smart and independent but at the same time, she is fashionable and she’s not afraid to be sexy. She doesn’t care about what people say about her.”

Fall/Winter 2010 Collection

Brazen Hussy is currently working on the production of their show for Toronto’s Fashion Week, where they will debut their fall/winter collection. The Canadian designers are working diligently, while brainstorming new ideas, to present their latest pieces. Viewers can expect a film to be shown at the show, which is different for ladies and may even shock some people.

In the past seasons, Brazen Hussy’s fashion show themes have been cute, sultry and playful, but this time it’s going to be edgy.

“We are trying to rebrand and start growing. A lot of what we make and [what] other designers do are reflective of where they are in their lives at the time,” states Michele.

“What’s happening with us is we are growing up and we are not doing the same things. We have seen different things. We’ve traveled a lot since we first started the company and it’s going to reflect in our designs.”

But don’t be too alarmed. Pedro assured us that the Brazen Hussy that fans have grown to love and adore will always remain committed to their authentic style.

“There is always going to be a little Brazen, which is the sex appeal,” quips the Toronto designer.