Shannon Wilson and her stepson JJ Wilson launched tech-enhanced Kit and Ace clothing last year to fill a void they saw in the market for comfortable luxury. Shannon, who is married to JJ’s dad, lululemon founder Chip Wilson, talks about their emerging line that seems poised for global success.
What is your long-term vision for Kit and Ace?
Kit and Ace is a can’t-miss company in an age of technical apparel and wearable devices. We took a look at the world and our friends living these busy lives and decided that we could make luxury clothing functional. We wanted to elevate luxury fabrics by applying technical and functional attributes such as the ability to wash cashmere interlace, or for luxury clothing to have added stretch.
We have big plans for Kit and Ace – 30 to 50 new shop launches intended before the end of 2015 – including the UK, Australia, and Japan. We will have a full line of luxury offerings available in-shop and online as of fall 2015. And we’re already seeing our boutique offerings grow from basic tees into more comprehensive attire as demand increases.
How much of the brand is your personal aesthetic?
JJ and I really wanted to create a brand that offered what our lifestyle demanded. Like a lot of people, we are constantly on the go and are always on the lookout for garments and fabric that suit our “full-contact lifestyle”. That’s what Kit and Ace is all about: offering luxury clothing that moves with you throughout the day.
Are any of the clothes made in Vancouver?
We source luxury globally and although our design process begins and ends at HQ in Vancouver, we work with the best suppliers and manufactures globally – from cashmere mills in Italy to goat farmers in Southeast Asia and Mongolia.
How many employees does the company have?
At last count we were at 380 employees.
Name a Vancouver boutique, besides Kit and Ace, where you like to shop?
I love to check out Bacci’s.
Who is your favourite designer?
A few global ones whose aesthetic I enjoy are Isabel Marant, Celine, Brunello Cucinelli, and Vince.
What is your fave T-shirt from Kit and Ace? For women? Men?
Right now, I love the Brighton tee for women – it has rolled sleeves and a gently curved hem with a wide scoop neck. It is also intentionally oversized and has a great layering length. For men, I love the multi-tonal design of the Kuper Crew, which also features our iconic darts on the back for a perfectly tailored fit.
What is “technical cashmere,” and what inspired your brand concept?
Technical cashmere is the foundational fabric from our proprietary Qemir family. It is cashmere that has been enhanced with technical attributes and fibers like elastane and viscose, so that it is easy to wear, easy to care for and retains its shape throughout the day.
We launched Qemir because we wanted to integrate technical elements with luxury fabrications, yet improve flexibility and usability – but most importantly save you time and trips to the dry cleaner. Our Technical Cashmere pieces are machine-washable and tumble-dry friendly.
You (a trained designer) and your stepson run the business, but does your high-profile husband, who recently quit the lululemon board, also play a role in operations?
Kit and Ace is a Wilson Family Company. Chip is a valuable asset and a celebrated mentor – but he is not involved in daily operations or management of Kit and Ace.
You and your family are involved with a number of charities – BC Children’s Hospital, education in Ethiopia, the Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design. How do you decide where to give?
Both Chip and I believe education is the key to creating possibility in people’s lives. As a result of this belief we created Imagine 1 Day and the Chip and Shannon Wilson School of Design. We also have five sons and have spent our time at Children’s Hospital. It’s an incredible place that we are lucky to have the equipment and professionals available to British Columbians. The hospital needs funds in order to stay at the cutting edge and to continue to provide high-level care, and we are happy to be able to help.
Has the lululemon connection helped or hindered your new venture?
Unquestionably, it has helped. Our previous experience in technical apparel and growing an international company has provided endless learnings – from cyclical real estate patterns to consumer behavior indicators and retail industry trends – it is as a result of these lessons and growing pains we faced previously that we are able to take a new brand to the global marketplace in just one year.
Do you consider your brand a competitor to lululemon?
We see the two brands as complimentary to each other, with consumers using lululemon for their active engagements and changing into Kit and Ace for the rest of their day.
• Kit and Ace is located at 151 Water. A second Vancouver location is expected to open July 1 at 2235 West 4th in Kits.
