Q: What's your favourite local Canadian shop?

One of my favourite local businesses is Lolili Wear , a beautiful line of cashmere-blend scarves created by Canadian travel photographer Katherine Keats. Katherine travels extensively and transforms her photography into limited-edition scarf designs, produced in Italy. Each piece feels like a wearable work of art and is always a wonderful conversation starter. We carry Lolili Wear in our Toronto retail store, and the scarves are consistently loved by customers from around the world. They’re thoughtful, distinctive, and reflect the same appreciation for quality, creativity, and craftsmanship that I value in my own work.

Question 1

What inspired you to launch your business?

Accepted Answer

Helene Clarkson Design was inspired by my travels alongside my husband for work and facing the same recurring frustration: packing for business trips where days flowed into evenings, yet nothing in my wardrobe truly worked across both. I wanted clothing that could carry me from daytime meetings to evenings out— without feeling underdressed, overdone, or weighed down by outfit changes. The brand was born out of that need for a sophisticated, polished and practical wardrobe. It's designed for women on the go.

Question 2

How do you describe Helene Clarkson Design?

Accepted Answer

Helene Clarkson Design is a women’s clothing brand focused on creating refined, versatile pieces designed for real life and modern travel. I studied English literature at university and then went to theatre school in New York. I’m a Genie Award nominated actress. While I don’t have any formal training in fashion I know what I want my clothes to do and I am fortunate to work closely with an exceptional team who help bring my designs to life. All pieces are designed and manufactured in Toronto and produced in small runs with an emphasis on quality, longevity, and responsible manufacturing. Fabrics are carefully chosen for comfort, durability, travel performance and easy care, ensuring each piece packs easily and transitions seamlessly from day to night. The result is timeless, sophisticated clothing designed for carry-on travel and endless mileage.

Question 3

What's your bestselling product & why do you think it's so popular?

Accepted Answer

The Aro Travel Pant.

The Aro Travel Pants have been a customer favourite since 2014 and are affectionately referred to as “HAPPY PANTS.” They were inspired by my mother’s clam diggers — reimagined to feel modern, polished, and comfortable, without the restriction of a zipper. From the beginning, the goal was to create a pant that felt effortless to wear while remaining polished.

They are made from a soft ponte fabric that offers structure without stiffness, smooths without clinging, and maintains its shape over time — with no sagging, bagging, or visible lumps and bumps. The pull-on elastic waistband provides all-day comfort while maintaining a clean, streamlined silhouette. Easy to dress up or down, they work equally well for travel, work, and everyday life.

Over the years, the original design has grown into a full Aro collection, including Reversible, Kick, Pocket, Full Length, and High Rise versions. Their lasting popularity comes down to how they make women feel: comfortable, confident, and put together.

Question 4

What's your favourite product from your own shop?

Accepted Answer

I am LOVING my Hanna Ponte Jeans both in the Wide Leg and the Kick as they are shockingly comfortable. They are a pull-on pant, featuring an elastic waistband and front and back pockets. They look just like jeans but the ponte fabric has massive amounts of stretch! They’re polished, comfortable, and easy to wear — exactly what I believe great design should be. I wear them constantly.

Question 5

What's your favourite local Canadian shop?

Accepted Answer

One of my favourite local businesses is Lolili Wear, a beautiful line of cashmere-blend scarves created by Canadian travel photographer Katherine Keats. Katherine travels extensively and transforms her photography into limited-edition scarf designs, produced in Italy. Each piece feels like a wearable work of art and is always a wonderful conversation starter. We carry Lolili Wear in our Toronto retail store, and the scarves are consistently loved by customers from around the world. They’re thoughtful, distinctive, and reflect the same appreciation for quality, creativity, and craftsmanship that I value in my own work.

Question 6

When did Helene Clarkson Design launch?

Accepted Answer

Helene Clarkson Design

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