Nervous about my coffee date with young fashion stylist Sara Gourlay, I stare down at my simple black dress. Is she going to approve? Ever since running into Gourlay at Vancouver Eco-Fashion Week in April, I’ve been in awe of her talent and style. She has the ability to rework vintage clothes into the coolest pieces. In an effort to calm my nerves, I rationalize irrationally: our names do rhyme, Farah and Sara; that must be a good sign!
I sit at WE coffee on Main and begin to reminisce about Gourlay’s line from the Eco-Fashion runway. FATE had many adorable black pieces, with various textures, patterns, and styles. It was my favorite line out of the thrift chic challenge and I would definitely wear each piece.
Gourlay walks in. Rocking a faux fur leopard print jacket, men’s denim button-up, shiny leggings and retro platforms, she looks epically cool. The beautiful 23-year old Capilano College fashion-marketing graduate sits down next to me with a big smile on her face. We begin the interview:
Farah Tozy: How did FATE Vintage come to be?
Sarah Gourlay: I started a year ago picking clothes; I really liked fashion. With the growing concern for the environment, there’s kind of a gap. So I saw a need for [FATE]. There aren’t many options for sustainable fashion. FATE is trendy and [has] wearable pieces that are modern and classic.
[During] Eco-Fashion week, my mom even said, ‘I could actually wear some of these!’ [FATE] is sold at Today boutique in Gastown, and I just sent my first shipment of clothing to Rebel Rebel in Victoria. Hopefully I’ll be selling online soon.
FT: Why did you call your brand FATE?
SG: First off, I like how it was four letters. It’s concise. I really like the aesthetic of how it looks but also the meaning behind it, the FATE of giving clothing a second life. Vintage is cool in that way; someone wears it and passes it on.
FT: Do you ever plan on expanding from women’s clothing to men’s?
SG: I like focusing on women’s clothing. At the markets I sell more men’s clothing [that is] more unisex.
FT: What’s been your best find so far?
SG: Well, I love flow-y kimonos. One time Stormey Rhiannon and I found this sheer fringe kimono.
FT: How did you resist not keeping it for yourself?
SG: We have to stick to the universal rule: you can’t keep anything!
FT: How was the Eco-Fashion show? Was it good exposure for FATE?
SG: It was awesome! Just being recognized as someone on the tip of sustainable fashion was quite an honor. I was surprised as to how much of a production it was. Behind stage it was just buzzing!
FT: What’s your favorite season for clothing? Sundress summer, winter sweaters, rain jacket spring or autumn flats?
SG: I like fall. Because I’m partial to black clothing; it’s definitely my specialty.
FT: As an experienced thrifter, when do you think is the best time to thrift shop?
SG: I like to go in the morning because everyone is usually asleep or at work. It’s best to get in there when the world is not as busy.
FT: Where would you like to see your designs one day?
SG: I [want] FATE to definitely be more countrywide; to be known as sustainable fashion, [done] really trendy. Online would be ideal. Keep my model of as selling FATE as a brand in boutiques; I really like that. In the future, I want to cross a bit more into music with fashion. My boyfriend and I are going to collaborate on a fashion film.