Paul Hardy

Canadian born and based, Paul Hardy took his career from design school graduate to personal shopper to acclaimed designer. Paul Hardy began his design career in 2002 with an opening show at Toronto Fashion Week where his first collection saw a host of rave reviews declaring, “a star is born”. After seeing that first collection, fashion icon Jeanne Beker, host of Fashion Television and now editor of FQ Magazine, compared Hardy’s talent as being that of the likes of Marc Jacobs or Stella McCartney.

The sensation caused by his first collection led Hardy to pursue opportunities at Los Angeles Fashion Week. There he garnered the attention of notable industry media types like WWD who described Hardy’s style as “a thoughtful, well-made collection of soft sophisticated clothes”. Such reviews about the line sent a buzz across the United States to New York, where Hardy unveiled his third season for Spring/ Summer 2004. Feted with a party hosted by Canadian Consulate General Pamela Wallin, Hardy’s Manhattan debut drew attention from Fern Mallis, President of the CFDA.

As a result, 7th on Sixth invited him to show in the tents at Bryant Park the following season. Some of his designs were described as “Oscar worthy” by celebrity stylist Philip Bloch and the New York Post. Flare magazine has described him as one of the freshest new talents emerging from North of the border.

In 2005 Hardy continued establishing credibility to Calgary talent and proving to the rest of Canada and the world what he could do. Having already established a high-end women’s collection and jewelry & accessories line, Hardy began working with fur after NAFA had sent him on an inspiring visit to the SAGA fur institute in Copenhagen, Denmark. The result of this visit was a magical Narnia-inspired collection.

One piece, garnered the interest of the Robb Report luxury magazine, by selecting Hardy’s fur poncho as one of the 70 ultimate Christmas gift items for their annual list. Hardy furthered his interest in luxury goods, after being approach by the Northwest Territories Government Canadian certified diamond producers, to design a limited collection of fine jewelry.

In 2006 Elle Canada listed Hardy as one of the top 10 designers in Canada. In addition, Lisa Tant, editor of Flare magazine, was quoted saying “He has vision and he’s achieved it at every step”. In March, Hardy attended the prestigious Tranoi Womens Show in Paris, France. This event offers a high-end and avant-garde selection of the best designers from around the world.

2007 was a year filled with exciting new endeavors including the opening of Hardy’s first free-standing store. Paul Hardy Atelier is located in the trendy Kensington neighborhood of Calgary. Hardy also continues to show at L’Oreal Fashion Week, Canada’s top bi-annual fashion showcase. Hardy’s Spring/ Summer 2008 collection received rave reviews, especially after the notable designer admitted to conceiving and producing the collection in only 12 days. In December Hardy branded his knitwear line under the label Paul Hardy “Kaille”. In the future Hardy hopes to generate more awareness of his lines internationally, and is in the process of working on concepts for a men’s line, accessories line, and a moderately priced line.

In addition to refining his skills and growing his company Paul devotes his time to World Vision as a spokesperson for their HOPE initiative campaign. In January of 2008 Hardy had the opportunity to join a team of individuals from Winnipeg going to Uganda to build schools for villages. The organization running this program is called Watoto, and is most known for its children’s choirs that tour around the world. They are also focusing on rescuing, redeeming and restoring the lives of child orphans whose families have died as a result of civil wars and / or the AIDS pandemic within the country of Uganda.