Toronto’s 50 Most Influential: #35, Tanya Taylor

Tanya Taylor

Designer

35 Since releasing her first collection in 2012, Taylor’s cheerful prints have appeared on the likes of Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Michelle Obama, who’s been photographed in several of the designer’s FLOTUS-appropriate sundresses. This past summer, she won the 2015 Woolmark Prize, the same one as fashion giants Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. Unsurprisingly, business is booming. ­Taylor’s wholesale revenue is up 300 per cent from last year, with Saks Fifth Avenue and Holt Renfrew struggling to keep her pieces on the racks. Taylor doubled the size of her team and launched an e-commerce site to meet demand. Her spring 2016 line, a ’60s trip of clashy stripes, girly ginghams and day-glo details, debuted to huge fanfare at New York Fashion Week.

Friends in High Places:

The Clintons, Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke, Shameless star Emmy Rossum.

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