Style Q&A: Canadian brand Gus Sloan aims to fight size stigmas
Credit to Author: Aleesha Harris| Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2019 18:00:25 +0000
Leaving the fitting room feeling defeated — whether because the garments in question were too big or too small — can leave a lasting impression.
Edmonton-based designer Lauren Dary knows that fact all too well.
After repeatedly facing fit problems at various points throughout her life, Dary decided to do something about it. And the Canadian brand Gus Sloan was the result. Dary recently stepped away from designing her line to chat with Postmedia news about fit struggles, size inclusivity and the “LBJ.”
Gus Sloan founder and designer Lauren Dary.
Q. For those who aren’t familiar, what is Gus Sloan?
A. Gus Sloan is an ethical and intentional fashion brand focusing on creating garments that empower and promote confidence in the wearer. We design our Little Black Jumpsuits — or the “LBJ,” as we like to call them — with versatility, longevity and comfort at the core.
Q. When and why did you first start the brand?
A. I’ve wanted to design and make my own clothes since I was a young girl because I rarely fit into ‘conventional’ sizing and found it difficult to find clothes I liked that I could actually wear. My path led me to become a photographer, which I love, but when I turned 30 I decided that it was now or never.
I applied and was accepted to fashion design school, but with a family at home and a photography business to run, I decided that full-time school wasn’t the best option at the time. I gave myself one year to devote any extra time I could on learning all things sewing and design — it was a lot of evenings and weekends of textbooks, online courses and mentorship. 13 months later, I launched Gus Sloan.
Q. Is there a story behind the name?
A. Gus and Sloan are the two names I wanted for children but they were never used. I have two boys, but my husband didn’t let me name either of them Gus and I never had a girl to name Sloan. So when it came time to name the business, those two names were front of mind and I knew the second I said them out loud together that it was right.
Q. Who is your target customer?
A. We have a broad target customer because we believe so deeply in inclusivity. We truly want any human who wants to wear one of our jumpsuits to wear one of our jumpsuits.
Q. Where are the jumpsuits designed/made?
A. The jumpsuits are designed and produced in Edmonton. I design all of the jumpsuits myself and we have a small team of local Sewists who produce the garments on a made-to-order basis, in both standard sizing and made-to-measure.
Q. And where can people check them out?
A. We sell our jumpsuits online at gussloan.com and you can also find us on Instagram, @wearegussloan.
Q. What is the price range for Gus Sloan designs?
A. The prices currently range from $175-$245.
Q. Lastly, what’s next? Any plans to expand the style offering?
A. Right now we have a small collection of one garment, The Original Little Black Jumpsuit, but we introduce our special edition jumpsuits seasonally and only for a limited time. They truly are one of a kind. We will be releasing a new special edition jumpsuit soon, so keep an eye out for it! My hope is that as the business grows we will be able to offer special edition jumpsuits more frequently.