Much of what goes into creating a collection happens behind the scenes. From the earliest design ideas to the smallest details of fit and construction, there's a process of careful consideration, problem-solving, and collaboration that rarely gets seen.
An important part of that process, and of Bare's story, is Colette Moore. Since 2021, Colette has worked alongside us as our technical designer, helping shape each collection and bring our designs to life. Her dedication to her craft and the care she brings to everything she does are among the many reasons we're so grateful to work alongside her.
This season, we're proud to bring Colette and her work into focus through our Woman Series. We caught up with her to talk about her journey through fashion, her fascination with how clothes are made, and the small pleasures of life in her new home of Paris.
What led you to the work you do today?
I trained in fashion design in Ireland before moving to London to specialise in creative pattern cutting at Central Saint Martins. I was always as interested in how a garment was built as in how it looked. Over the years, I’ve worked with designers including Christopher Kane, and spent several years at McQ by Alexander McQueen, managing the atelier and developing patterns for menswear and womenswear. My work has since evolved into technical development, but that fascination with construction has never left me. It's also one of the reasons I love working with Bare. Their commitment to craftsmanship and the quality of their knitwear is something I really connect with. For me, the most satisfying part of the job is solving the puzzle of how to turn a creative idea into a garment that actually works.
What makes a piece worth keeping for years?
For me, it comes down to fabric, fit and construction. A beautiful design is only part of the equation. The proportions need to work, the garment needs to move properly, and the details need to be considered, including the ones nobody sees. That’s something I appreciate about Bare’s approach to knitwear: the attention to craftsmanship and quality. I think the best pieces become more personal over time, developing a history through being worn rather than losing their appeal after a season. I like clothes that earn their place in a wardrobe, rather than things that sit there waiting for the right occasion.
How does where you live shape your work and daily life?
Moving from Vancouver to Paris has been quite a contrast. In Vancouver, I could be in the mountains or a forest within minutes. In Paris, I spend my commute admiring beautiful architecture while being pressed against several strangers on the metro. Both cities have their own energy, but I’m still adjusting to city life on this scale. I love the history, the street life, the sheer amount of visual inspiration here, and the cheese. The cheese deserves its own mention. Molly and I are also on a continuing mission to find all the green spaces the city has to offer, which is a good excuse to explore neighbourhoods I might otherwise never visit.
Where do you look for inspiration?
I’m drawn to designers who approach clothes differently. I love Rick Owens for his experimentation with pattern cutting and silhouette, and Patagonia for its commitment to the environment. They might seem like very different references, but both stand for something beyond simply making clothes that look good. I’m interested in the thinking behind a garment, how it’s constructed, what it says and how it sits in the wider world. I admire people who have a clear point of view and are prepared to follow it, rather than simply follow what everyone else is doing. I also find inspiration in everyday details, from the way fabric falls to the shapes and textures you notice when you’re out walking with Molly.
What small pleasure never gets old?
A long walk with Molly, discovering somewhere new, and finding a good café or bar to stop at afterwards. I love being outdoors, particularly somewhere with trees and space, and I’m happy walking for hours without much of a plan. There’s something about spending a few hours outside that makes everything feel a little more manageable. Molly is an excellent companion, although she has very firm ideas about where we should go and is not especially interested in my proposed alternatives.
A place that resets me is…
The Bois de Vincennes, in the east of Paris. I’m still discovering Paris, but having this much green space within reach has made a real difference to settling into life here. After a week in the city, I love being able to get out among the trees with Molly, walk for a few hours and switch off. It reminds me a little of what I loved about Vancouver, although the landscape is rather different. I love that you can spend a few hours there and almost forget you're in a major city. A bit of fresh air, some quiet and a dog who is happy to keep walking is usually enough to put things back into perspective.
