Sunday, March 8, 1992 - North Shore News - 23 HIGH PROFILES Christine Morton: in her own words What kind of response did you get when you first arrived in New York? ‘‘I got a positive response immediately. People were starting to recognize me and my line. It’s really encouraging to hear that when you're from Canada.” Where were you working in the begisning? ‘‘In the basement of my house. At that time the in- dustry was next to nil here. I made silk camisoles and put bits of face on them. It took hours to do the lacework on just one item — it was all hand-done.”” What has been your inspiration? “It’s always been different eras. I tove detail, the Vic- torian/Edwardian period, full- length gowns, pin tucks, laces, roses.”” How have you done in Canada? “Up until now I have not really sold in Vancouver. We've just decided to go with the Bay. | ac- tually found New York a much easier market than Canada, There are so many designers there, but if they (buyers) want to capture what is new, they see them. I think that’s changed now in Canada. But if you didn't have a name then they didn’t want to see you.”’ What plans de you have for your bridal Hine? ‘‘i’ve decided to make a major commitment to my bridal department. We have 30 new pieces. Last fall I went to New York for a trunk show and the response was very positive. They - want me to come back in the spr- ing.”” Why have you decided to do this now? ‘‘¥ think the time is right for New system to enhance sound for impaired Enjoy . fora CHRISTINE MORTON credits her hard working, loyal staft for helping to make Christine and Company one of North America’s top manufacturers of lingerie, special occasion dresses and dridalwear. Here she (second from left) consults with partner Jill Godfrey (left), Gerald Franklin and Phovy Imao in her West Vancouver office. this kind of look. I think girls are getting tired of glitter and syn- thetics. They want to look femi- nine and lovely and wear dresses that are romantic. One year ago, nobody knew what silk dupioni was. I think people are becoming THE FULL experience of live performances staged at the Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver may now be cn- joyed by people with hearing impairment through the in- stallation of a new sound rein- forcement system. North Vancouver District Mayor Murray Dykeman said better educated. They know that there is another look. Now, you have to convince buyers that there are girls who want that look.” Where do you do the bulk of your business? ‘‘We sell in Canada, the district has received a $5,000 matching grant from the Vancouver Foundation for the purchase and installation of an infra red sound reinforcement system for the hearing im- paired. Recent studies have shown 10% of the population is hear- ing impaired and one out of U.S. and last year we tried the French market. But the bulk of our business is in the U.S.” Wha: sets Christine and Company apart from other designers? ‘I’m known for my laces in lingerie. four people over the age of 65 suffers hearing loss. The sound reinforcement system will allow theatre patrons to enjoy any of the 200 performances staged annually at the theatre by simply ad- justing the levels on the hearing sets. The service will be free. our royal restoration idedly modest sum. We've spent a king's ransom restoring The Empress— an impressive $45 million, room; maximum two children.) Come dive into The Empress’ new pool and health club. Sip Throughout my career, my love of lace has shown. I work with a company in Switzerland that is temaking antique designs ex- clusively for the Christine label.” ANNOUNCEME Top Performer 2 Consecutive Years ARIF DEVRAJ NATIONAL SALES MASTER The management of Northshore Kingsway A:1to Family salutes Arif Devraj for outstanding sales excellence and extraordinary care and attention to his special afternoon tea in her refurbished lobby. Dine in her handsomely redecorated restaurants. And discover alt of Victoria's charm, right on her doorstep. to be exact. And now we're re- storing our Breakaway special, so you can stay at this magnificent waterfront heritage hotel from only $89* per night, any night until May 18, 1992. (Children 9 | per room/per night Just contact your travel agent io” ANY DAY or call the hotel directly at (604) 384-8111 or 1-800-268-9411. customers. Sales Excellence 1990 1991 \ o 18 and under free in parents’ G an . Canadian Pacific 1K4 Hotels & Resorts Ot ae = EE 985-931 “+460 MARING DRIVE ~ The Empress 721 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia v8w 1W5 (604) 384-8111 or 1-800-268-9411. “Single or double occupancy, pius tax, based on availability and selected accommodation, Other standards of rooms are available, including Business Class, for ar: additional cost. Discount cannot be applied to existing discounts (individual travel only). Offer subject to change without notice.