Erin Kleinberg, one of T.O.’s hottest fashion designers, on her style inspiration

We talk to one of T.O.’s hottest fashion designers about what inspires her fashion creations and her celebrity fans

Erin Kleinberg was once known as the co-founder of the incredibly popular fashion blog The Coveteur, but has now made an even bigger name for herself as a designer. Most recently, she teamed up with Lena Dunham on her latest collection and also found out she had an unlikely fan, Jared Leto. He likes to wear her caftans when he performs. 

What is your favourite boutique in Toronto?
I really love West Elm — they really get the trends people are looking for. I also love going to Kensington Market with my hubby to score antique finds. My friend recently introduced me to this awesome little skate shop called Blue Tile Lounge, which is dope.

How did your collaboration with Lena Dunham come about?
Lena is a major inspiration and was a huge part of building this collection. She shot out different ideas of things that were inspiring her at the moment: the notion of being awake at sunrise, teddy bears eating pudding and so on. Our design team took these abstract ideas and ran with them to create some exclusive rad custom prints. 

Who is your style inspiration?
It is no secret that my style is majorly inspired by Hugh Hefner. I love pyjama dressing — jodhpurs, velvet slippers, silk kimonos. I am also inspired by California, that SoCal laid-back cool girl way of dressing is what I am all about. 

How did Jared Leto end up in your caftan on Ellen?
I work with some awesome stylists in L.A., and they had a few of my pieces. The next thing you know, I turn on Ellen, and I was so excited to see Jared wearing my piece. I then custom made him a bunch more to take on his South American tour. He cut it up the side, so it’s more of a poncho. I love that this piece was reappropriated for something totally different than what it was intended for.

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