The Canadian Pink Tartan designer talks about her love of natural beauty and collaborating with organic brands.

Pink Tartan Designer Kimberly Newport-Mimran is known for her sophisticated sportswear that moves seamlessly from work to play. This season, Newport-Mimran exends her fashion reach by adding purses and sunglasses to the Pink Tartan collection as well as by collaborating with natural-beauty brands Leaves of Trees and Burt's Bees.

What are your style must-haves for summer?

Kimberly Newport-Mimran: Sunglasses! Everybody needs glamorous oversize sunglasses in their life. I also love a silk scarf tied at the neck or around a handbag; it's a bit of colour, a lot of fun and an easy accessory to suit whatever mood you're in.

What do you love about the tee you designed for Burt's Bees in support of Canadian wildlife?

KNM: I love having a graphic tee that raises a question. "Bee chic" is about being aware of what you wear, what you eat and what you put on your skin. When you feel good and you use product that's good and you do good things for the environment, you live a much happier and more fulfilled life. 




For every $49 tee sold, Burt's Bees will plant 10,000 wildflowers to provide food sources for bees.

What inspired your spring collection?

KNM: I was inspired by Carcassonne, the region in southern France and northern Spain. I love it because there are a lot of artisans, and you find these beautiful Cabana stripes. I decided to convert them into ready-to-wear. 

Why did you partner with Leaves on Trees on a Pink Tartan deodorant?

KNM: I stumbled upon the [brand's deodorant] in a Palm Beach yoga store, and I was so happy it was Canadian. I contacted Dr. Roohi Qureshi [who launched the all-natural line], and brought it to Pink Tartan. I love that she does everything by hand, so I asked her if she'd do my own scent. So we did a little concocting of ingredients and came up with my favourite smell. It's definitely woodsy—that's why I called it Boise; it's got petitgrain, sweet orange, patchouli and oud.




Leaves of Trees Deodorant in Boise by KNM, $24, pinktartan.com.

KNM: Do you try to keep your own beauty routine natural and organic?

I'm not a big makeup wearer, and I definitely like organic products. I always feel that you should be able to eat anything you put on your skin. 

Read more:
Canadian designers we love
Should you switch to organic beauty products?
Joe Mimran on what it takes to be an entrpreneur

This article was originally published in the June 2016 issue of Canadian Living magazine.