Style Insiders: 5 questions with Lululemon Lab women's designer Erika Rekis

By Flannery Bloom

In this series, The Georgia Straight goes behind the scenes with fashion professionals to explore the workings of the local fashion industry.

Erika Rekis graduated with her bachelors degree in fashion design from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and is now a women’s designer at the unique and innovative Lululemon Lab in Vancouver.

1. How did you get to where you are today?

“I received my bachelors degree in design, fashion, and technology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The school has a great reputation with local apparel companies, which helped me make industry connections. I did two internships, one locally for Kersh and one in Ghana for Osei-Duro. Following these incredible experiences, a friend from school connected me with the lab for a Junior Design role.”

2. What is a typical workday like for you?

“There isn’t really such a thing as a typical work day when working in fashion, especially at the lab. Having said that, there are a few things that I often do each week, including: fit upcoming styles on our fit model, create mock ups, update technical drawings, conduct research for upcoming seasons, sketch new designs, purchase new fabrics and review colours.”

3. What is your favourite thing about your job?

“Meeting new, inspiring people at Lululemon and very often through collaborations. Getting to invent the future and making beautiful things that people want to wear.”

4. What is the most challenging thing about your work?

“Balancing life. Working hard but knowing when you need a break and actually taking that break.”

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration, fashion or otherwise?

“I am most inspired by my friends and the West Coast lifestyle. Everyone is grounded and likes to play outside but also really likes clothes and good design.”