Iris Simpson has a very rich legacy in Canada’s fashion industry as a former buyer for international designers. She has been a fixture in the Toronto fashion scene as a stylist for over 25 years and is presently working alongside some of Canada’s top fashion photographers and models. Iris has participated in workshops and spoken at many industry events during her storied career. During Canada’s Sesquicentennial year Iris worked as the Director of THEN NOW NEXT an exhibition showcasing 150 years of Canadian fashion history. She is also a board member of The Fashion History Museum. Iris’s love of fashion brought her back to Ryerson University, where she graduated from the Fashion Merchandising program. As an instructor within the Communication and Design faculty at Ryerson’s Chang School, Iris has been inspiring and mentoring her students in the fashion styling program for well over a decade. She is co-founder of a clothing brand, Hello Couture, which includes vintage, repurposed and new designs.
What do you want our readers to know about you?
I feel it’s very important to mentor and help young women succeed.
What would you like to see more of in the workplace?
I would like to see more diversity and inclusion in upper management and in all areas of the workplace that are underrepresented.
What characteristics and/or qualities do you admire in the women you work with?
I admire the commitment and the amount of creativity that the women I work with bring to the workplace every day.
What advice did you wish you were given earlier in your career?
I wish I had been made to realize the importance of financial planning at the start of my career.
What is one example of a positive, memorable experience you’ve had in your career?
Being recognized for my career in fashion, education and mentorship with my photo illuminated on buildings at various locations throughout Toronto, including the Richmond Adelaide Center.
How do you think companies can better support women in the workplace?
Firstly I think women should be paid their worth for the job. I also feel women need to be supported when they are faced with child care health issues.
Do you have a mantra or quote that inspires you?
“The best is yet to come”
Where can people find you online?
Instagram @irisknowsbest