News

This is exactly the time of year when a Laparka, Linda Lundström's iconic winter coat, would be a wise purchase.

But as integral as the Laparka has been since its debut in 1986, it has not allowed Ms. Lundström to escape the financial issues that have plagued her women's wear business for the past decade.

Consequently, the trailblazing Canadian fashion designer filed for protection from bankruptcy on Jan. 21. Within the next two months, there will be a massive liquidation of all merchandise at Ms. Lundström's two Toronto boutiques as a last ditch effort to pay the bank.

Her clothes - all manufactured locally - are also carried in more than 200 shops across the country.

"My overhead was the straw that broke the camel's back, compounded by international currencies that made the market very unstable," Ms. Lundström said by phone Sunday, her voice shaken. "There's been an outpouring of support, but I just don't have a viable business and I can't possibly work any harder."

Since starting her company in 1974, Ms. Lundström, 56, has been recognized as an inspirational force in the industry, though this can be attributed to her inclusive approach to fashion for "the authentic woman" as opposed to trendsetting designs. Spanning sizes 2 through 24, her label has garnered an especially loyal following among middle-aged women.

"She looks amazing in her clothes," says Flare magazine's editor in chief Lisa Tant, who acknowledges that the retail landscape poses many challenges to designers like Ms. Lundström.

"The problem now is people either shop Gap or Gucci," Ms. Tant says.

"We mustn't fall prey to our Canadianism," says Fashion Design Council of Canada president Robin Kay, who had just returned from New York Fashion Week, where many Canadian designers now go to reach a larger audience.

Ms. Lundström's customers, however, are fervently loyal. "My whole closet is Linda Lundström; I'm heartsick," says Judith Ash, a customer for 15 years, who was shopping at the Yorkville location yesterday. "It's not just about the clothes - she makes my whole life easy."

The designer, who grew up near Red Lake, Ont., started sewing when she was three years old. Her website features a letter of thanks in which she explains how her speaking engagements have helped raised money for the Kishik fund for native awareness.

Ms. Kay noted the Laparka is known internationally.

Although Ms. Lundström estimates having sold over 150,000 Laparkas, she revealed that sales have been steadily declining. Shopping, she said, is the best thing people can do to help.

Ms. Lundström has always been optimistic and admits she will be following some of the motivational advice she has given others.

On the back of every price tag - now scrawled over with further reductions - is the statement, "I have a strong belief in the power of positive energy that all women are capable of radiating towards those we know, each other and the rest of the world."