MICHI is Canada’s answer to adidas by Stella McCartney. Filling the gap for workout wear that’s sexy and edgy, for active women who seek fashion and function in their gear. The SS12 runway show featured models that embodied characteristics of the MICHI woman — fun, strong, flirty, sexy — who danced and shimmied down the runway. In her latest collection we saw the brand’s signature cut out bras, and mesh paneled leggings; new for the season are pops of bright colours and dominatrix-style lace-up detailing.

FILLER caught up with MICHI designer, Michelle Watson, to find out more about the lady and her brand.

THE GIRL BEHIND THE BRAND:

WHO ARE YOU?

Michelle Watson, 33, creative director of MICHI. Raised in Calgary, former competitive athlete (golf, ski racing, badminton), former RLX Ralph Lauren designer in NYC, business degree from Richard Ivey School of Business (UWO), fashion design degree from Parsons School of design in NYC.

WHAT’S YOUR LABEL ALL ABOUT?

MICHI fills the gap between provocative, glamorous lingerie and comfortable, utilitarian activewear. MICHI fuses high fashion with technical activewear to create statement pieces that can be layered for edgy every day looks or worn functionally for the gym and sport.

SPRING/SUMMER 2012 INSPIRATION?

The primal futuristic aesthetic of the 1927 science-fiction film Metropolis mixed with the vibrant colours of the birds in the Amazon.

WHERE TO BUY?

OAK in NYC – Bond St & Willismsburg Stores & www.oaknyc.com The White Space at the Bay – Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver
Sporting Life – Yonge St & Sherway Gardens MICHI online store — store.michiny.com.

THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT DURING FASHION WEEK?

My iPhone, my bike (because there’s so much running around) and most of all — the amazing people that helped me out so much to make my show all come together (I’m so grateful to them all)!

(post as seen on FILLER Magazine, photos by Rebekah Reiko)