From Fashion Dreams to Luxury Rainwear: The Evolution of a Designer’s Journey

A Passion Ignited: From Vienna to the World

From the moment I graduated from fashion school in Vienna, my heart was set on becoming a fashion designer. This passion was kindled at just 16 when I first competed in a fashion contest, diverging from my classmates' aspirations of medicine and law. Fashion was my calling, and I was driven by a desire to master patternmaking, draping, and sewing. Growing up in an artist family—my father a sculptor and my mother a painter—further fueled my artistic inclinations, as I spent my early years immersed in their creative world.

Upon completing my fashion education, I launched into the fashion industry with zeal. I started my own private fashion label in Vienna and embraced roles as a fashion designer, journalist, and illustrator. My reporting from Paris Fashion Weeks and admiration for icons like Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and Helmut Lang only solidified my commitment to the fashion world.

A 180-Degree Career Shift: Embracing Sportswear Design

However, fate had other plans. My unexpected venture into designing a ski wear collection for a local brand marked the beginning of a two-decade-long career in sportswear and technical outerwear. This shift, initially unplanned, led me to establish a design studio with a partner and collaborate with renowned brands such as Fila, VF Corporation/The North Face, Asics, Syder, Ellesse, and lululemon athletica. While this detour in sportswear design was not anticipated, it became a cornerstone of my professional journey.

In 2014, my career took another significant turn when I moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to lead the design direction for lululemon's Yoga segment. What was meant to be a short-term adventure transformed into a new chapter of life in Vancouver, where I eventually chose to pursue my own path again.

The Birth of a Vision: Luxury Rainwear with Purpose

During my tenure at lululemon, an encounter sparked a new vision. One rainy fall day, a colleague’s lament about the lack of stylish, weatherproof garments for women planted a seed. This idea of designing elegant and high-function luxury rainwear stayed with me, igniting a passion to create something both beautiful and practical.

After leaving lululemon, I embarked on a journey to explore what exceptional rainwear should look and feel like. Through extensive market and competitor research, brainstorming sessions, and the search for the perfect fabric, Cape de Coeur was born. This high-fashion, high-function luxury outerwear brand specializes in weatherproof solutions for fashion-conscious individuals who desire to remain polished and dry in any weather.

The process of developing Cape de Coeur was both meticulous and transformative. From the original name and early designs to the final fabric and brand identity, it took over two years to perfect every detail. The brand’s evolution reflects not just a product but a comprehensive vision shaped by experience, innovation, and a commitment to quality.

Full Circle: Fashion, Function, and Vancouver’s Influence

Reflecting on my career, I realize the detours and global moves were integral to my journey. The extensive experience in high-tech sportswear and the vibrant innovation hub of Vancouver played crucial roles in shaping the brand. Vancouver’s environment, rich in technical sportswear expertise, allowed me to develop and perfect our luxury rainwear garments with unparalleled sophistication.

Today, I am deeply fulfilled to return to my fashion roots, creating luxurious rainwear that marries style with purpose. The challenges and experiences that shaped my path have culminated in a brand that embodies both elegance and functionality.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Looking back, the seemingly circuitous route to launching Cape de Coeur makes perfect sense. Each phase of my career—from fashion design in Vienna to sportswear innovation and finally to luxury rainwear—has contributed to the creation of high-end rainwear that stands out in both design and functionality. Vancouver’s influence and the lessons learned along the way have all converged to bring this vision to life.

As we move forward, I am excited to continue designing sophisticated rain capes and high-fashion rainwear that cater to those who demand both luxury and practicality. Here’s to celebrating the journey and the luxurious rain capes that now embody the culmination of passion, experience, and innovation.