Hasmig Possian was born in Istanbul, Turkey of Armenian parents. After emigrating to Canada in 1965, she attended St. Clements School for Girls in Toronto and then studied at the Ontario College of Art. After graduating in 1973, she was taught the rigorous skills of haute couture by couturier D. Khoubesserian.
In 1975, Hasmig opened her own salon at Cumberland and Bay where she created wardrobes for a range of clients from Saudi princesses and celebrities to local socialites. She is known for her elaborate evening wear, bridal fashions, cocktail dresses, daywear, sportswear as well as costumes for the film industry. “Couture garments are works of art and it’s always a joy to collaborate with a client who appreciates its value whether its an intricately constructed ball gown or a simple blouse,” comments Hasmig.
The trend towards casual dressing in the ’90s prompted her to create a unique sportswear collection for women and children manufactured under the “Hasmig Plays” label. In this collection, Hasmig transformed traditional sports logo wear into high fashion by applying couture techniques and incorporating her own HP logo.
Hasmig has lectured at community colleges and made television appearances to share her wide-ranging knowledge of the fashion industry. She is a founding member of the Couture Association of Toronto and while she closed her Yorkville store in 2003, she still works from her Toronto home by special request.
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