Amy Berry launched Remi with an aim to create comfortable, well-designed travel outfits made from luxe fabrics that would hold their shape even after the longest travel days. While the original vision was for travel wear, the concept of high-quality and ultra-comfortable loungewear was the perfect fit for working from home as well. We chatted with Amy to find out more about this uniquely Canadian loungewear label! (Insider tip: most of Remi’s products are limited edition, so grab them before they’re gone!) —Noa Nichol
Hi Amy! Tell us a bit about yourself to start.
I grew up in Barrie, Ontario, which is where I call home today. I was raised in an entrepreneurial household with both my parents operating various businesses throughout my childhood. While being an entrepreneur has its ups and downs, I knew that was the path I wanted to take. I’ve always had an interest in fashion, though I actually started my career as a hairstylist. After running my own business for a number of years as a self-employed hairstylist I decided to take a position in the fashion world with a relatively new company. I worked with that company for a few years and was involved in many aspects of the business including styling photoshoots. During this time it was in the back of my mind that it would be amazing to have my own brand in the fashion space, though I never quite knew exactly what I wanted to do.
When and why did you launch Remi? What niche were/are you aiming to fill?
Early 2020 I was travelling with my husband, and I found myself wishing I had comfortable and cosy outfits for long travel days and chilly evenings that looked great as well. Since I couldn’t find the look I wanted at the level of quality I wanted without paying a small fortune I decided to design my own sets. Initially, it was just an idea for later, but when COVID hit worldwide in March 2020 my existing job was impacted, so I decided to take the leap and create my own brand. It was a bit scary trying to launch a new brand during a global pandemic!
What products do you currently offer, and what makes them unique?
REMI currently offers matching loungewear sets, including slim-fit joggers, crewneck sweaters, and hoodies. We also have soft ribbed leggings that might be the most comfortable leggings you’ll ever wear, along with matching bra tops and biker shorts. In addition to the clothing, we also have a number of accessories to round out the look such as stone-washed baseball hats, jewelry, and our popular claw clips. I think what sets REMI loungewear apart would have to be the luxe fabrics we use: they’re all selected to maximize comfort, coziness and have amazing shape retention. I choose colours that are neutral in tone, making them transitional and timeless, coupled with our quality the pieces can be worn for years!
We certainly got used to wearing loungewear in the last two years … do you see the trend continuing?
I do. We’re already seeing companies shift toward a more flexible work environment, so the work from home trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, even if people return to the office part time. I also see travel slowly returning, and there’s nothing worse than trying to catch a nap on a plane or in an airport while wearing jeans. At the same time, you want to look cute in the airport and when you arrive at your destination. REMI checks all the boxes for the perfect travel outfit. We’re also working on products that can be dressed up and worn in a business casual environment; why should comfort be reserved for working at home?
What can we do (what are your top tips) to elevate our loungewear?
Our loungewear is designed to look great on its own, but we love seeing our customers make it their own. With our neutral colour pallet, flattering silhouettes and subtle branding, our sets are the perfect base to mix in with your everyday wardrobe. To take it to the next level I like to accessorize with our large hoops, layered necklaces and a pair of cute sneakers or combat boots. Our crews and hoodies will look great with your fave denim; add in some heels and an oversized blazer for an effortless yet elevated look.
What’s one Remi piece will you be rocking all winter long?
I’ll be rocking our RELAX hoodie for sure! I’ve received so many compliments from customers saying it’s the best hoodie they’ve ever owned, and I couldn’t agree more. The fabric is incredibly soft and being medium-heavy weight it gives amazing structure to the hood keeping right where it should be. This winter you can find me by the fire sipping a glass of red wine in my RELAX hoodie, and likely in the joggers, too, though I also like to pair the hoodie with CLOUD leggings.
Win! A $100 Remi Gift Card!
Congrats Rachel R. of Tiny, ON, who will receive a $100 Remi gift card! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadaily.ca. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.
November 9th, 2021 at 8:50 am
CLOUD leggings omg that would be amazing
November 10th, 2021 at 9:07 am
I like to lounge in sweats and a hoodie @wghutton
November 10th, 2021 at 9:08 am
I like to lounge in leggings, oversized sweater or hoodie with fuzzy socks ?
November 10th, 2021 at 9:12 am
I love lounging in a cozy sweat suit! @lyonkirstennn
November 10th, 2021 at 9:13 am
Warm and cozy Hoodie!
@paustachio
November 10th, 2021 at 9:18 am
Sweats and a tshirt!
November 10th, 2021 at 9:19 am
Hoodie and joggers for this girl!
November 10th, 2021 at 9:32 am
My go to the time of year is a big pair of cozy wool socks.
@aliceltranty
November 10th, 2021 at 9:40 am
hoodie and jogging pants
@pbrain4
November 10th, 2021 at 9:57 am
Comfy clothes are my jam! Lucky for me I work at home so every day is comfy day!
@emilyisland
November 10th, 2021 at 9:58 am
Comfy soft jogging pants scream relaxation!
November 10th, 2021 at 9:59 am
The hoodie and cloud legging set sounds the perfect lounge wear!
@springwater.living
November 10th, 2021 at 10:16 am
I like to lounge in leggings
@amber_olak
November 10th, 2021 at 10:49 am
I like to lounge in leggings
November 10th, 2021 at 11:31 am
I like to lounge in something soft and cuddly @happygrandma50
November 10th, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Joggers and a hooodie @coach_daves
November 10th, 2021 at 1:25 pm
Fuzzy pjs
@amira_and_amir
November 10th, 2021 at 1:27 pm
I lounge to almost everything except sometimes when going out. Seriously, I just value comfort.
IG : melcamirand3
November 10th, 2021 at 2:05 pm
I love soft jogger. @alwayscraftingg
November 10th, 2021 at 2:19 pm
I like comfy pants and a crewneck. @asherares
November 10th, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Love the lounge in leggings
@vannarip
November 10th, 2021 at 2:38 pm
I like to lounge in sweats and big socks
November 10th, 2021 at 2:58 pm
Fabulous I lounge in comfy pjs
@mmsittie
November 10th, 2021 at 3:14 pm
I like jogging pants and loose hoodie. I’m really liking the color “shade” and denim cloud.
November 10th, 2021 at 4:40 pm
sweats are the favourite. thanks
@asdsafel
November 10th, 2021 at 6:53 pm
Right now my robe is pretty cozy to lounge in. jan_leeu
November 11th, 2021 at 3:53 am
My PJ’s and sweats
@paraskevoula101
November 11th, 2021 at 4:16 am
Joggers/leggings are my go-to!
@seafoodmwg on ig
November 11th, 2021 at 5:27 am
I like to wear with my hoodie with leggings, followed both account on Instagram as@mllil604
November 11th, 2021 at 7:13 am
Sweats and a t shirt! @tabby_1972
November 11th, 2021 at 1:23 pm
I like to lounge in sweat pants and a comfy tee. @shirleyoflynn
November 12th, 2021 at 4:47 am
These look so comfy. Definitely love the leggings! Thanks for this generous chance!
November 12th, 2021 at 11:41 am
Sweats and comfy socks
November 12th, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Love lounging in leggings and sweat shirt. @fossie55
November 12th, 2021 at 8:41 pm
sweatpants and a hoodie
@conkatp
November 13th, 2021 at 5:43 am
Joggers, all day long! ??
November 13th, 2021 at 8:46 am
Leggings
@ktakapam
November 14th, 2021 at 3:01 pm
loose, comfortable clothing
@leikps7
November 14th, 2021 at 6:30 pm
I like to lounge in something cozy and warm.
IG @minty_mo2020
November 15th, 2021 at 9:14 am
Just plain fuzzy sweat pants, comfy socks and a t-shirt.
@iamjohnleung
November 15th, 2021 at 1:14 pm
I lounge in Capri tights, a long sleeved top and more often than not, a Down ski Jacket on top, as I am always cold. (a hypothyroid issue)
November 15th, 2021 at 2:15 pm
Definitely a cozy hoodie, aerobic top and lounge pants! @tklymwolfe is my IG
November 15th, 2021 at 9:41 pm
I lounge in leggings and a sweatshirt
@photoklutz
November 16th, 2021 at 7:38 am
Joggers and a hoodie ❤️ @kimmiecapp
November 16th, 2021 at 8:24 pm
Pajamas! @liangliangcanada
November 17th, 2021 at 8:52 am
Yoga pants and a sweater are my comfy clothes @ireneeichler
November 17th, 2021 at 6:54 pm
Sweats and a sweater all day in sweater weather 😉
@fluffyfigs
November 17th, 2021 at 9:04 pm
Usually a sweatshirt and leggings 🙂
@mcox12
November 17th, 2021 at 11:53 pm
I like to lounge in anything comfy. Like leggings and a cozy top. These clothes look perfect. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ @JohannaNewman88