Meet
Laurence Fortin-Côté, a Toronto-based digital creator who has been gracing the internet with her refined sartorial touch since 2015. Unlike many creators in this day and age, Laurence isn't in a rush to add just
anything to her wardrobe. As her relationship with her clothing evolves with time, she finds herself more and more drawn to the idea of building a small selection of long-lasting classics that can be worn for a lifetime. As long-time admirers of her minimal style, we were so excited to invite Laurence to chat about sustainability, recent challenges, her relationship with social media, and what she's looking forward to in the future.
Who is Laurence Fortin-Côté?
As hard as it is to describe a person in a few words, I would say that I am a very sensitive and passionate woman. I am very much driven by creativity and my love for the people in my life. I think I am someone who sees life in a very romantic way and I love to live fully and unapologetically.
Can you describe your personal style for us? How has it evolved over the years?
I think my style has gotten a lot simpler with years. I used to experiment with fashion a lot more when I was younger and I think that’s what allowed me to really find myself and what clothes make me feel good. If I was to describe my style I think I would say that it’s timeless and quite preppy. I like to be well put together while keeping it looking as effortless as I can!
How are you sustainable in your day to day life? Do you have any sustainability goals you’re working towards?
I definitely try to live as consciously as I can and this is something that I have on my mind everyday. One of the main things for me and especially with what I do is to try to keep my fashion consumption as low as possible. I am very much of the "one piece in, one piece out" mentality and I think it helps with owning as few items as I can and keeping my wardrobe minimal. Ideally, I would love to keep working on owning as few things as possible and keep building a wardrobe of long lasting classics that can be worn for a lifetime!
Something that challenged you recently?
There is so much I find challenging everyday, it’s hard to pick! I would say that one of the biggest challenges in my life currently is to find new ways to feel inspired. Working for myself has been one of the biggest challenges in my life and has taught me so many things, while also making me realize how lonely it can be at times. I find myself struggling to find ways to connect with others or with the industry as a whole and I’m always trying to figure out new ways to get out of my shell, but it’s definitely a work in progress!
What made you decide to start a YouTube channel? What do you envision for your channel in the future?
At the time, I was looking for a way to connect with my audience in a more authentic way. My work has always felt quite personal and I loved the feeling of closeness that creating video gave me. It was a nice way to talk about what goes behind the scenes of my work and to share a little glimpse into my life at the same time. I definitely want to post more videos in the future, but I am not tying myself to a specific type of content or schedule. I love to vlog and document big moments in my life and I think I will definitely continue to do that!
Where is home for you?
Home is definitely a fluid concept for me because there are definitely a few places in the world that feel like home to me. I think that moving a few times in my life and having to rebuild roots in different places has led me to think that way, but I definitely think that home is anywhere where I can be surrounded by my loved ones and feel creative in some ways!
One item in your wardrobe that makes you feel most yourself?
I got this pair of Chanel riding boots the last time I was in Paris and I never want to take them off. I’ve always loved this style of boots and I wear them with almost everything! It’s definitely one of the items that I will keep wearing forever.
How would you describe your relationship to social media? Is it an overall positive force in your life or something less so?
I definitely go through some ups and downs with social media, as do most people I think! It has the most negative impact on me when I am dealing with harder things in my life and I still have to post everyday or so. I think that because it is my main outlet to share my work, it can feel very consuming at times and that’s why I try to take more days off social media. I love to keep my personal life separated from my work and with social media, it can sometimes feel like everything is blurring into one, which I have learned to set boundaries around it! Overall, I am quite grateful for how social media has influenced my career, but I also know that I can be as happy without it, which is something I didn’t used to think.
Favourite places to visit, shop and eat in Toronto?
I have my staples that I love to go to all the time, I’m quite a creature of habits when it comes to that! My favourite place to shop is probably VSP consignment. I love spending time there and finding unique pieces! As for food, my favourite restaurant in the city is Dreyfus. For lack of originality, I really love my French food, it tastes like home to me and this place makes the best in the city!
How do you decompress?
A good glass of wine with my fiancé and a home cooked meal, nothing calms me more than spending quality time at home!
Can you tell us who some of your style icons are and why?
It’s hard for me to think about one person in particular. I am inspired by all the women around me every day, no matter who my friends or family are, or who I just meet on the street. What inspires me is the individuality of each of them.
"I am inspired by all the women around me every day, no matter who my friends or family are, or who I just meet on the street. What inspires me is the individuality of each of them."
PHOTOS FROM @LAURENCEFORTINCOTE.
Your definition of happiness?
I think happiness is a state of mind. As I am getting older, I realize that one of the main things that contributes to my happiness is feeling fulfilled by what I do. It doesn’t really matter where I am or what I do, as long as I can keep being creative and surround myself with people that I love and that I find inspiring I will be happy!
Bedside table books currently?
A collection of poems by William Blake, curated by Patty Smyth.
What are some things you are excited about in the future?
I’m excited about everything! I’m definitely at a point in my life when big shifts are happening and as scary as it is, I am very much looking forward to these changes. My partner and I have been working on our own project for a few years now and I love the independence that comes with building something that is just ours. I am excited to see this comes to life as well as all of the opportunities it will create!
What is the legacy you hope to leave on this world? What are you out to accomplish?
I love the concept of legacy and this is something I think about all the time. The project that we are currently working on with my partner Dylan is definitely in line with this idea of leaving something behind. Hopefully someday someone will find inspiration in our work and feel all of the love and passion that went into creating it, this would make me very happy.
