Veronica Beard‘s timeless, feminine and vibrant ready-to-wear collections are now available at their new location, in the heart of Yorkville. Launched in 2010, Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard, who are also sisters-in-law, united their shared passion for clothing and fashion, which quickly became an international success. The brand has become a staple, consisting of classic and versatile pieces, inspired by the Veronicas’ personal styles (reflected in their collections).

You’re here in Toronto for the official store opening in Yorkville, how does it feel to be celebrating the opening of your first Canadian location?

Veronica Miele Beard: Opening our first store in Canada has been a huge milestone for us. We’re thrilled to be here and connect with the Toronto women who are making it happen.

Veronica Swanson Beard: This location is very exciting for us! We really believe in the power of the in-store experience. There’s a tactile element to shopping and we can’t wait for our Toronto customers to discover the collection in that way, to see products up close.

Why pick Toronto as your first standalone store in Canada? What is your favorite thing about the city that reflects the brand as a whole?

VSB: We saw a lot of opportunity – we have a passionate customer here, and we wanted to give her a true omni-channel experience. Our stores are an extension of us, a living expression of our brand DNA. It’s an integral piece.

VMB: Toronto has incredible energy. The women here are so chic! We can’t wait to see how they make the collection their own.

What is your vision of the “Veronica Beard woman,” and what is she wearing on the daily?

VMB: We design for every woman out there! We’re inspired by women, all women, globally.

VSB: We want to give today’s multifaceted, multitasking woman her dream wardrobe—the cool classics that make her feel her best. With every collection, we’re thinking through her day and thinking about what she needs.

Veronica Beard

What is your #1 closet staple you cannot live without and think everyone should have in their wardrobe?

VSB: A tailored blazer adds instant polish to any outfit.

VMB: I live in heels!

What is your favorite fashion trend that will never die or get old?

VSB: We’re both drawn to classics, reworking them, and making them our own.

VMB: Our customer is more driven by personal style than trend. She wants pieces that are built for real-life, that make her feel incredible and that she knows she’ll wear forever.

You both say you get a lot of inspiration from your mom and the 70s’ and 80s’, what is the piece or trend that stuck with you the most/found the most inspiration, from that era?

VMB: The statement blouses—I love a Seventies-inspired bow-blouse and a gorgeous set!

VSB: The tailoring shapes from the Seventies and Eighties have had a lasting impact on us. We’re very inspired by classic American sportswear.

What is the best tip you would give a young woman looking to make her way into the fashion industry whether she is coming from a fashion background or not?

VSB: Your biggest failures can become your greatest successes. You can’t let a setback stop you because there’s so much to learn from each roadblock. You need to be patient with yourself and recognize setbacks as part of the growth process and not as failures.

VMB: Don’t build the stadium before the fans. Build organically through supply and demand. For women especially, hold your own. Never let anyone intimidate or bully you.

More from Fashion