On this episode of Off The Rack, we explore Canadian sustainable designers' work. We discuss the hurdles and successes in this label, touch on greenwashing and why being eco-friendly was important to these brands. We are joined by Carmin Garofalo, CEO of Passen, Shaun Mascarenhas, founder of Demascare and Marissa Freed of Freed and Freed.In his role as Chief Executive Officer of Passen, Carmin is responsible for overseeing allaspects of the company's operations, including sales, marketing, finance, and production.He works closely with the executive team to develop and implement strategic initiatives, identifygrowth opportunities, and drive profitability. With his extensive experience in the apparelindustry, Carmin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position.He has a proven track record of successfully leading both private and public corporations, andhis strategic vision and leadership skills make him well-suited to guide Passen to new heights.Carmin's focus is on driving innovation and staying ahead of industry trends, ensuring thatPassen remains competitive in a rapidly changing market.He also prioritizes cultivating a strong company culture and fostering a collaborative workenvironment, believing that a motivated and engaged team is essential for achieving success.Under Carmin's leadership, Passen is positioned to thrive and continue its growth trajectory. Hisstrategic direction, combined with his deep industry knowledge, will undoubtedly contribute tothe company's long-term success in the apparel industry.Bangalore-born Shaun Mascarenhas, who now makes Toronto home, brings a wealth of education and experience to his Demascare line of mesmerizing women’s/gender-neutral demi-couture. His BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design plus Fashion Merchandising degree from FIT NY give Shaun the strong foundation and combination of knowledge and expertise. Boosted with stints at J. Mendel, Oscar de la Renta, and Romona Keveza, he honed his skills, giving him the confidence to produce his unquestionably glamorous, stunningly draped, and impeccably curated couture creations.”Shaun was the winner of Cashmere Canada 2022, a breast cancer fundraising initiative that features looks by Canadian designers crafted from luxuriously soft sheets of Cashmere UltraLuxe Bathroom Tissue.Demascare is an emerging luxury brand that combines the art of fashion with the design of architecture to create women's/gender-neutral clothing that reflects my unique point of view.From a family deeply rooted in in the industry, Marissa Freed has lived and breathed fashion since birth. Her family's connection to the business traces back to her great grandfather, who founded FREED’s parent company, Freed & Freed International, in 1921. Marissa studied at the International Fashion Academy of Design, where she pursued a program in Fashion Marketing and Merchandising. Building on this foundation, she went on to earn her undergraduate degree in Fashion Marketing and continued on to complete an MBA. In 2009, Marissa infused her experience and education into her family’s business at Freed & Freed, where she eventually became the fourth-generation President. In 2020, Marissa jumped headfirst into launching FREED, where she was able to combine her passion for innovation with a commitment to addressing environmental concerns in the fashion industry. FREED aims to provide functional luxury outerwear that seamlessly blends fashion-forward aesthetics with a conscientious approach to the urgent environmental challenges we face, contributing to a positive impact on our planet.
