Lesley Hampton

Toronto Fashion Designer Lesley Hampton Takes Bridal Fashion by Storm

The Unique Bride

Toronto’s Lesley Hampton has made a splash on Canada’s fashion scene – and beyond. With designs featured internationally by such top-tier publications as Vogue, Elle, Flare and USA TODAY, and worn by luminaries such as Margaret Trudeau, Jann Arden and Serena Ryder, Lesley’s name is now a mainstay of fashion festivals, including Toronto Fashion Week. With her name increasingly associated with uniqueness and diversity in the fashion world, it’s no wonder Lesley has become a “go-to” for hopeful brides whose dream dresses cannot be found in typical boutiques.

Lesley’s designs are premised on values of inclusivity and self-acceptance. As the daughter of a mining executive, she moved to new cities and countries throughout her youth. Her designs are inspired by her travels, the people around her and “the human psyche”: “I have my designs reflect issues or stereotypes that might be applied to me” as an Indigenous woman, she explains, “and in doing so, I critique how society is telling me to behave versus how I, and the people around me, view ourselves.” Lesley has committedly foregrounded body positivity and raising awareness about Indigenous identity in her runway shows.

When asked how she stepped into bridal design, Lesley notes brides-to-be began approaching her after they saw her designs in runway shows or press stories. “It’s exciting to discover each bride’s style and how that can be translated into a bridal piece,” she notes. “Some brides come to us with an exact vision in mind of cut, colour, and appliqué. Others come to us with ideas and we help them discover their ideal silhouette, shape and materials for that dream-come-true gown. It’s a learning experience with each bride and it’s exciting to execute their vision for their special day.”

Lesley and her team also regularly design for bridesmaids, maids of honour and the mother of the bride. “Cocktail dresses and gowns are our favourite to create!” she explains.

Not only have Lesley’s designs attracted numerous clients, but they are translating into real honours: Lesley was recently nominated for a Canadian Arts and Fashion design award, an RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur award (2018), and a Premier Award (2019).

Lesley’s applied artistry is helping turn brides’ dreams to reality for their big day.

lesleyhampton.com

The Invidiata Collection Sponsors Lesley Hampton at Toronto Fashion Week

Events, Fashion

Toronto Fashion Week’s Golden Girl, Lesley Hampton, Wows With Copper Show-stopper

The Invidiata Collection Sponsors Lesley Hampton at Toronto Fashion Week

The anticipation of LESLEY HAMPTON’s return to Toronto Fashion Week® was undeniable. After becoming one of the most talked-about designers, following her Toronto Fashion Week debut, Hampton’s return to the runway did not disappoint. The Spring/Summer 2020 collection, entitled The Preface, is inspired by the mental rise from darkness to the desire to become the most that one can be (mental health awareness has always been a passion of the brand). The impulse to self-actualization is one of the purest forms of inclusivity in the non-bias. Reflected in the bright colours and romantic cuts of the collection, Lesley Hampton used the creation of this collection, as a subconscious catalyst to find healing and self-actualization.
The collection also uses colour and elemental therapy to instil self-happiness, self-confidence and self-love to the wearer of the clothing. As Hampton noted, “This collection is about healing. If you’ve gone through insecurities or troubles, this collection is about overcoming that”.

The energy of the Lesley Hampton show was inspiring and moving. Each model who graced the runway, represented their culture, their body, their curves and their diversity. Hampton continues to support marginalized groups who have been under-represented in the media and champions the movement towards a more inclusive and diverse industry in the fashion world.

LESLEY HAMPTON’s latest collection is dedicated to the memory of all missing and murdered Métis, First Nations and Inuit women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people. The preface of the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: Reclaiming Power and Place determined that Canada has experienced deliberate race, identity and gender-based genocide.

“We must know our past, understand it and accept it if the future is to have meaning.” – Commissioner Michèle Audette, Canadian Politician and Native Canadian Activist, The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: Reclaiming Power and Place, 2019.

THE BRAND

LESLEY HAMPTON was a ‘third culture kid’ and her early life was one of constant relocation. With her formative years spent in Canada’s Arctic and Atlantic, Australia, England, Indonesia, and New Caledonia, added to her quest to establish a personal and cultural identity. Lesley defines herself through the amalgamation of her indigeneity with her Anishinaabe and Mohawk heritage, as well as her global perspective from her early nomadic upbringing.

Founded on the principles of inclusivity, identity, awareness and heritage, the LESLEY HAMPTON brand’s inspiration is defined by the characteristics developed from being a Third Culture Kid and critiques their application in present-day society in fashion, media and pop culture. The brand draws inspiration from notations that embody inclusivity and broader perceptions of beauty that leads to mental health awareness and body-positive advocacy.