When it comes to the world of fashion, things are constantly changing. Trends emerge and recede, they come back to us like a rush from the past or they’re gone within a second. The fact that we exist in a world with so many fashion options makes us feel extremely blessed with our choices. Although Ottawa may not be the fashion capital of the world, we have some great local designers just waiting to be discovered. And, Babes & Gents is no stranger to the fashion lovers of Ottawa!
Established by Amir Zargari, this company specializes in women and men’s clothing. It was created in Jan 2012, when the idea suddenly sprang to Zargari’s mind. After trying out university for some time, he finally decided that it wasn’t for him, and turned to fashion. As an active artist, he had always loved drawing and painting various images. He even began taking art classes as extracurricular opportunities.
He was also inspired by many different fashion designers: “Mark Ecko, Kanye, Michael Kors, John Rodregos…When I think of fashion, so many different names come to mind.”
So, how did he get started?
Z: “After grade 12, I became a camp counsellor for the last two weeks of summer. I had been doing a lot of drawing and sketching and my friend suggested I put my designs onto t-shirts. I launched the first trial line in a week and realized, ‘Hey! People like my stuff, and I can actually do this.’ I made each piece unique, did a lot of research and now I’m here.”
The official launch of the company came into effect on July 8, 2012.
R: What is a Babe or Gent?
Z: It’s universal and applies to everyone. It’s not so boring as to call it “ladies and guys”. Anyone who is strong and passionate about whatever they’re doing in their life falls into our category. We serve the people and we’re creating a community for everyone to become a part of. It’s a name that everyone can relate to and it helps people feel confident.
“Our values for the company are passion, inspiration and strength.” The strength, he says, comes from the struggles he overcame to get to where he is now. His new collection is all about Ottawa, and is focused on the hip-hop/electro culture. He wants to merge the two to show his true passion.
R: Where do your proceeds go and where you can you buy the clothes?
Z: 10% of all proceeds go towards helping Unicef. This month, that 10% is going towards raising awareness for breast cancer.
You can purchase the clothes either online at babesngents.com. We are also currently accepting St. Paddy’s Day orders too, so you can check those out here: http://babesngents.com/collections/canadian-st-patrick-canada-green
R: Any last words?
Z: I got where I am today because I did a lot of research. I will never stop researching the fashion industry because this is what I love to do!
Can’t get enough? Be sure to check out Zargari’s designs at our Fashion Show “Catwalk for the Cure”. They will be featured in the runway show as well as sold at a stall, so if you see something you like, you can buy it right on the spot!
Can’t wait to see you all there!Tickets are on sale until Wednesday night at www.catwalkforthecure.com