Interview with Fashion Designer Rosemarie Umetsu

Interview by Joe Montague

Toronto fashion designer Rosemarie Umetsu whose new studio is located at 198 A Davenport Road, has made a name for herself as someone who dresses the stars and her line known simply as Atelier Rosemarie Umetsu features breathtaking couture gowns and scrumptious ready to wear designs.  Although her client list is comprised predominately of a who’s who of the Canadian entertainment community, those outside of Canada will no doubt recognize performers such as; Alannah Myles (singer-songwriter), Sarah Slean (singer-songwriter), Sophie Millman (Jazz vocalist), Colin Ainsworth (Classical tenor), Joyce DiDonato (mezzo-soprano), Wendy Crewson (actress), Vivica A. Fox (actress), Veronica Tennant (dance performance filmmaker and director) and Karen Kain (artistic director National Ballet of Canada).  Ms. Umetsu’s black and white studio features a wall of gowns, classical music playing in the background and photographic artwork of some of Canada’s top established and emerging artists in the performing arts.

One immediately notices the European sensibility which affects Rosemarie Umetsu’s designs and she agrees, “I think that the European flavor comes from the fact that I am very detail oriented and I am really into the old fashioned couture way of doing things and whether it is the fit or the design of the pieces themselves. Here (North America) it is almost like a pasteurization of fashion. They want it very clean and very little on that end of it. People are very used to just going out and picking up (their clothes) and they are not paying attention to style details and what goes into making a garment. If you look at European fashion the old fashion detail has continued and it is part of the garment. It is a heritage and it is the culture that comes with the piece. I think that is probably where we fall into.

Just as she pays careful attention to detail with her designs, Rosemarie Umetsu, just as carefully tracks what her clients wear and to what events they wear her pieces. Read More

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