I use to work with this Vancouver native years ago and was truly excited to hear that Alana finally got her first capsule collection out after years of hard work and dedication. Here’s your Industry Insider on Alana k, the designer behind Ka’kia:

How did you get into what you are doing now?: I started out styling, doing commercials and music videos. A few years ago, I decided to move to paris, I went to parsons to study fashion design, soon after I was making stage wear and styling for Emily Haines of Metric. I was pulling clothes for a Metric appearance on David Letterman and went into this design house to pull clothes, fell in love with the designer, 3 months later moved to NY and started designing with them. After 3 seasons I left to work with one of my all time favorite directors, Mark Maggiori, to do wardrobe on a feature film called Johnny Christ. After filming for 3 months in the desert I moved back to Toronto and began designing Ka’kia.

Congrats on the launch of your capsule collection. What’s the inspiration?: In arizona, I fell in love with the desert. I spent a ton of time riding motorcycles and loosing myself in all the unhinged desert nights. Ka’kia was born here for sure as she is the greek goddess of vice. The collection consists of sand washed silks, leather motorcycle jackets, snake skin vests, long goat hair- all elements of visuals or experiences I had in the wild wild west.

Tell us one thing most people assume about what you do for a living that is complete false: That its uber glamorous, when actually there is a ton of work.

Describe your industry. What are some of the challenges and rewards?: The challenges are egos and insecurities, I’m sure its the same in any industry though. The rewards are outfitting someone and watching them gain instant confidence because they feel good.

What is your favourite trend and what is your least favourite?: I’m not sure I follow trends all that closely, majority of the things I love and hate remain the same year after year. I forever love leather motorcycle jackets and leopard print.

Looking ahead for FW 2011 name some key trends that can’t be passed up: Long sand washed silk dresses, long silk skirts, leather motorcycle jackets.

What was your last read?: An email on my phone

What is your most precious item? My ludevine heart pendant necklace and vintage fur leopard coat

What get’s you up in the morning? Coffee or sex

Congratulations again Alana dearest and can’t wait to see what else the future brings for you.

Sunny Shum, Footwear Buyer for Sterling Shoes Inc, Blogger & Your Industry Insider | Follow me @partly_sunny