How a Toronto designer came to dress Hollywood’s biggest stars

Since debuting in Fall 2016, Victoria Hayes quickly found her place in fashion — styling the hottest celebrities for high profile events. This oversized silk wool coat was part of Hayes’ earliest work from her FW16 collection and was soon worn by one of music’s biggest stars.

On where she draws her inspiration, Hayes who grew up in Toronto and is based on New York City, says her line isn’t indicative of the style in either city. “I’ve just sort of just done my own thing and it is outside the realm of trends,” she says.

Can you guess which pint-sized celebrity rocked this oversized coat?

Ariana Grande looked cozy in the Victoria Hayes oversized silk wool coat with leather piping trim, pairing it with classic black pumps. Fun fact: this was a piece from Victoria’s thesis collection from Parsons The New School of Design.

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Hayes quickly conquered Hollywood with her daring designs, but fashion design wasn’t always her plan. Before attending Parsons The New School of Design in New York City, she was studying to be a doctor — a completely different career path.

“This was sort of a no risk, no reward situation. And you try and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But at least you tried — and that’s cliché to say.” No cliché. It’s actually inspiring.

Can you guess which natural beauty donned this embellished tulle skirt?

Alicia Keys wore the Victoria Hayes Coppelia Tulle Skirt with Laser Cut Embellishments while filming ‘The Voice,’ pairing it with a patterned black t-shirt.

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Even though she’s Canadian, Hayes has grown to feel strongly for New York City —a city she now calls home. “I chose that I was going to have my twenties be in New York City and that’s a kind of life experience that no one can take from me no matter how this pans out,” she said confidently. “And I would've never had that experience had I not chosen to do something risky.”

Speaking of fearless New Yorkers, can you guess which famous Bronx native wore this mint dress?

Cardi B rocked the Charming Mini in Mint Organza with a pair of statement earrings and nude pointed heels. This is one for the best-dressed list.

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Even though Hayes now has an endless list of celebs wearing her work, she’s still incredibly grateful for the opportunities to dress superstars in her clothing.

“Having very famous women who are famous for their talent and boldness wear the clothes is incredibly validating on a personal level. It’s really cool to see someone that you’ve always known of now wear something that you made.”

Can you guess which up and coming rapper wore these statement earrings in Kid Ink’s music video?

Saweetie stole the show by adding the perfect accent to her bedazzled bodysuit with these Victoria Hayes earrings in Kid Ink’s ‘Yuso’ music video.

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Hayes continued on what it’s like to have celebrities choose to wear her work. “It’s still cool to see these women have their take on what they want to wear in the world — that they can wear whatever they want. So, stylists bring them hundreds of options — dozens of options for any particular day. And if you’re item got chosen, that’s a nice thing to see.”

Can you guess which Youtuber turned HBO star wore this chiffon blouse and palazzo pant combo?

Issae Rae wore the FW17 Marjan Wide Cut Palazzopants with the metallic chiffon button front blouse. Talk about class — this pant look is all dressed up.

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“Fashion is incredibly stressful,” shares Hayes, “but it's nice to remind yourself that this is not a life or death business.” This introduces a level of bold playfulness in Hayes’ designs.

She translates her vision to statement accessory pieces as well. And can you guess which songbird strung these on her earlobes?

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Lady Gaga keeps it classy but plays up the drama with the Laser Cut Earrings in her signature style. Opting for a solid burnt orange dress, the geometry of this piece really pops.

Hayes likes to work with prints. “I make the print and then roughly estimate where to place the pattern,” she says. This wild, bold example might as well have leapt out of a frame. See which ‘queen of hearts’ worked this look and how she made the skirt her own.

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Janelle Monae is sporting the Hayes’ Vegas Print Mini Skirt and topping it off with a back laquer hat with gold chain detail. Best part? Rotate the skirt to show the section of the print you like most. We ship it!

This truffle-hued garment oozes drama and luxury. Nothing else required. Hayes says her designs are ageless. “I've sold the same suit to a 76 year old as to a 24 year old. Like there's no age bracket in this. It's whether you really want to make a statement.” Can you guess which auburn-haired TV sit-com sweetheart wore this piece?

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Debra Messing could not have been styled more beautifully, wearing the Kyran Metallic Faux Fur Robe Coat & Belt, down to her hair hue. We see a couch. But it should be a throne.

“You have to be unapologetic I guess to wear this stuff,” says Hayes. “I'm Canadian and apologize profusely all the time for everything, but the clothes are very like ’take no shit, apologize for nothing.’” So which unconventional celeb paired it with an equally unconventional hairstyle?

Kelly Osbourne donned the Altai Sheath Dress and made it look both chic and edgy, by focusing on a few standout details.

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We see something of Orville Peck’s gangster-meets-western take in Haye’s Fall 2019 collection. It’s unexpected blend of fabrics, textures, colours and lines is equal parts surprising and delightful...So delightful, another fashion icon rocked it in her music video. “My last two collections actually had been very nostalgic, driven in that my Fall ‘19 collection referenced another time of my adolescence.” Guess which nostalgia-worthy style icon wore Haye’s pants?

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Well if having someone as iconic as Madonna choose your art to reflect a part of hers isn’t a lifetime achievement, we don’t know what is. The Blade Suit pant locks the look, complete with a bad-ass eye-patch. We’re seeing 20/20 with this one.