At size?, we champion the women who shape our brand and bring it to life—bringing their passion, creativity, and individuality to everything they do. Throughout the week, for International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on three powerhouse women from our team, diving into their stories, ambitions, and what fuels them beyond the world of sneakers.

Yebin Song

size? Queen — Toronto

 ?:  Tell us a little bit about yourself—where you’re from, and what you do.
 Y:  I’m originally from South Korea, but I’ve lived in China, the Philippines, and now Toronto and recently graduated from the University of toronto. I’m a Creative Director, Curator, and Audiovisual Artist with a focus on interactive and multidisciplinary art. I also founded and run Syzygy Production Lab (@sizigi.zip), a creative collective intersecting art, culture, and media through immersive experiences. Our work revolves around pushing creative boundaries and opening space for Toronto’s emerging art community by creating spaces where artists and audiences can connect on a deeper, sensory level.

As a Creative Director, walk us through your process for taking an idea from concept to execution?
My process is not too organized, but I start from perceiving the visual images and just kind of scribble out anything that pops up in my mind, because i tend to overthink a lot. Then I reach out to artists and designers in our team to narrow down the options based on do-ability, then focus on the user experience—how an audience will feel when engaging with the work. Execution is the hardest, lots of trial and error and back and forth for feedback.

What’s the most unconventional source of inspiration you’ve ever drawn from?
Geeking out on visual material of life sciences and new technology. I actually double-majored in biochemistry and media studies, and I love finding ways to blend scientific concepts with art. The way cells communicate, how chemical reactions interact—it all reminds me of the way people engage with art and culture. This intersection influences how I design experiences that feel organic and immersive, and thought-provoking. My recent obsession is cow’s role in the ecosystem.

Can you share a project where you pushed creative boundaries and took a big risk?
One of my biggest risks is my ongoing project, INK-OLOGY: Techno-autopsy, Study of Ink. It reimagines tattoo culture through technology, sensory experiences, and interactive installations. Instead of just looking at tattoos as body art, I wanted to explore them as a universal language and a form of digital storytelling. Applying for a Nuit Blanche grant to fund it was a leap, but it’s a risk I am taking to invest in, arduino and sensor based and electric signal based installation is still an unexplored area to me.

Can you walk us through your design process—from idea to final piece?
It often starts by connecting a current narrative of mine to something from my past. For example, a particular pattern or silhouette that I was obsessed with as a kid, which I still find myself drawn to today, but for different reasons. It's about blurring the line between my nostalgia and my present self. This approach extends to architecture, experiences, anything that interacts with my senses. The art I create is about the process, not the final product—what’s created is meant for the consumer, not for me.

How do you foster innovation within a team while maintaining brand consistency?
I believe in open and transparent collaboration with a clear goal. I encourage my team to experiment, but I try to direct the principle back to our core values: sensory engagement, cultural dialogue, and accessibility. Innovation happens when people feel safe to experiment, so I create spaces where ideas can flow freely while still making sure they align with our collective identity, but mostly we are open to anything because there are countless possibilities to incorporate everything together.

If you could collaborate with any artist, designer, or brand (past or present), who would it be and why?
Seodo band/ 64ksana / Ojos : Seodo band and 64 Ksana are both experimental musicians fusing traditional Korean sound with contemporary and western sound, and I resonate heavily with their audio elements and the storytelling. Ojos is my favorite clothing brand as well from Korea, it almost tastes metallic, and this brand stimulates my obsession in themes in human animal and machine.

What drew you to the world of interactive art, and how did you get started?
I’ve always been drawn to the multi-sensory aspect of art. I happened to do research on experimental audiovisual media for a course, which drew my interest beyond just visuals and sound. When I think about my most memorable and inspiring experiences, especially from living in multiple cities, the ones that stayed with me were those that engaged four to five senses. The more I explore accessible and universal art, the more I realize that its power lies in relatable stories tapping into multi-sensory experiences and synesthetic connections. There’s still lots of studying for me to do, since I think media and digital literacy are essential to producing these experiences, but that’s what excites me about the process.

How do you balance the artistic side of your work with the logistics of event planning?
I believe in open and transparent collaboration with a clear goal. I encourage my team to experiment, but I try to direct the principle back to our core values: sensory engagement, cultural dialogue, and accessibility. Innovation happens when people feel safe to experiment, so I create spaces where ideas can flow freely while still making sure they align with our collective identity, but mostly we are open to anything because there are countless possibilities to incorporate everything together.

What were the early beginnings like when starting Syzygy?
It started as a passion project, it still is, I felt lots of creative community is gate-kept, and people don’t consume enough culture in Toronto, because walls seems high and the art scene was inaccessible and unrelatable. So I wanted to create open space for emerging artists and non specialists like myself.

What is your most memorable event?
All of them were, but the most memorable event was our first exhibition pop-up, “ 404 Not Found! “I was still a student, juggling academics while handling everything —from submissions and venue booking to curating, bartending, securing permits, finances, crowd control, and organizing live music AV system equipment and heavy lifting without transportation. It humbled me, but it made me feel like a strong, independent woman. This event put us on the map and kickstarted many more pop-ups that followed. Plus, I met my best friends that are now an amazing team of all women along the way.

What does celebrating International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, it’s about recognition and amplification. Women in creative industries often time really is not taken seriously or get overlooked, so International Women’s Day is a reminder to celebrate those contributions, push for visibility, and create more confidence and opportunities for future women.

Are there any women who have inspired you in your career or personal life?
Too many to name all. My mom, all of my SZG team, my best friends, and Lady Gaga.

Bringing it back to size?, how many pairs of shoes do you own?
Many, but somehow never enough. For sneakers probably around 20 pairs at this point.

Favourite sneaker?
Right now, it’s the adidas Taekwondo Mei Ballet flats and Nike Women’s Air Max Muse.

Jessilina Jia Huan

size? Queen — Toronto

 ?:  Tell us a little bit about yourself—where you’re from, and what you do.
 J:  I am a 22-year old Chinese fashion designer, born and raised in Ottawa, currently living in Toronto.

What led you to become a fashion designer?
Sewing and drafting have always brought me a sense of peace and tranquility. Since I often get hyper focused on how my clothes fit, the two activities together felt natural. What started as a calming hobby quickly turned into a passion, evolving into my favorite way to express creativity and find comfort.

How would you describe your design aesthetic in just a few words?
Complicating simplicity through culture and nostalgia

Who or what were some of your biggest inspirations when starting out?
God, Martine Rose, Spencer Badu, Yoon Ahn

Can you walk us through your design process—from idea to final piece?
It often starts by connecting a current narrative of mine to something from my past. For example, a particular pattern or silhouette that I was obsessed with as a kid, which I still find myself drawn to today, but for different reasons. It's about blurring the line between my nostalgia and my present self. This approach extends to architecture, experiences, anything that interacts with my senses. The art I create is about the process, not the final product—what’s created is meant for the consumer, not for me.

What’s a piece you’ve designed that you’re especially proud of, and what makes it special?
I designed a jacket inspired by my last name (Wong). The silhouette was drawn from longpao (dragon robes). Worn by emperors, symbolized power. Wong, translates to “king,” and my family takes great pride in upholding the responsibility that comes with it. My goal was to design this jacket in a way that honored both my name and its historical significance in Chinese culture. I’m proud of how I was able to convey the meaning of my family name while introducing cultural elements to the Western world.

Tell us about working at Spencer Badu and what that means to you.
Working with Spencer is one of the most humbling experiences. It means dedicating the expression of art through the journey—celebrating the cultural influences and brand heritage while embracing innovation and inclusivity.

How do you approach designing clothing that is truly gender-inclusive?
Breaking down traditional shapes to craft designs that embody the balance between strength, vulnerability, and personal history. These pieces tell stories that resonate on both an individual and collective level.

Are there any women who have inspired you in your career or personal life?
My mother has always been an inspiration through every phase of my life. Whether it be work or personal life, she taught me methods in dominating any space as a woman. She ingrained good habits and strong mentalities that require me to depend on nobody else but myself and God. Seeing her live by her words convinced me that her teachings are true, leading me to follow.

What’s a project you’ve worked on that felt especially impactful for women?
I taught a sewing cohort focused on making abayas, a cultural or religious garment for Muslim women. Abayas are often not considered as easily affordable. Since they’re relatively simple to construct, I took the initiative to offer classes that empower others to make them, freeing them from the grasp of retail markups. I intentionally created a women-only space to ensure the participants felt comfortable and supported. The most rewarding moment came when my students thanked me for showing how easy it was to make them, and began sharing their new skills with others in need.

Bringing it back to size?, how many pairs of shoes do you own?
Right now, about 40 pairs.

Favourite sneaker?
Margiela future highs or classic green 4’s (2004)

Anything else you want to share with the people?
I’m always open to work and collaborate with people so I hope whoever sees this doesn’t hesitate to reach out. Also, I’ve been working on a collection for my personal public platform. I’m ready to show the world this part of me so I appreciate anyone that joins me on this journey in any way. 

Allyson Burdett

size? Bute — Vancouver

 ?:  Tell us a little bit about yourself—where you’re from, and what you do.
 A:  I’m from a really small town in Alberta called High River, and moved to Vancouver in 2021 to study at UBC. I’m currently pursuing my degree in Psychology with a minor in commerce, while also having completed my diploma in fashion business from JCI Institute.

How do you balance your time between school, modeling, content creation, and making time for yourself?
Google calendar is my holy grail. I put anything and everything into it in order to stay organized or else I will get overwhelmed, forget things, or fall behind.

If you can model for any brand/designer, who would it be and why?
A designer brand I would love to work for is Acne Studios. I like to think that they blend minimalism with random and unexpected bold elements, and I guess blending luxury with streetwear. I love the blend of streetwear with other aesthetics and the image of this brand is something that I love, especially with the brands ability to blend these aesthetics with what’s in right now but also embracing forward thinking fashion.

How do you apply your fashion marketing knowledge to your personal brand?
The biggest thing I learned from going to school for fashion business was being able to put myself out there and sell my skills and value similar to the way you would sell products, as well as the importance of networking.

How would you describe your approach to modeling? Do you see it as an art, a fashion statement, a way to tell a story, or something else entirely?
I feel like it depends on what you’re shooting for, but at the end of the day I feel like there is always some type of story being told and as the model you’re embodying the character or story that is being told, similar to how art typically tells some type of story or holds some type of meaning behind it.

What does celebrating International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, celebrating IWD is about recognizing the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in all spaces—fashion, business, art, activism, and beyond. A day to honour the progress that’s been made while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. This can be through amplifying the voices of women, supporting women-owned businesses and overall just empowering women and to continue to create spaces where all women are able to feel seen, heard, and valued.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned from another woman that has shaped your career or mindset?
Seeing the drive that my mom has and how she has made it to where she is now. Growing up I feel as if I underestimated the extent of her hard work not just in taking care of our family here in Canada, but also in supporting our loved ones in the Philippines. She constantly reminded me of how little she had as a child, but it wasn’t until I got older and began navigating life on my own that I began to understand the weight of her sacrifices. I began to put into perspective just how much work she did to build a successful life. This has shaped my mindset, reminding me that no matter how hard I think things may be, there is always room for opportunity in anything, even in things you may not believe.

What’s a stereotype about women in the fashion industry that you’d love to see disappear?
That women into fashion only really care about appearance or materialistic things which isn’t really the case. Fashion is a tool for empowerment, a means of self expression, creativity and culture. Women in this industry, whether they’re designers, stylists, models, or photographers, are often driven by creativity and a deep passion for storytelling and this stereotype undermines the skill and innovation some of these women bring to the table.

Your take on some fashion dos and don'ts?

Do buy quality pieces over cheaper items. They will last you longer and overtime will be worth more of your money, and with these pieces don;t be afraid to experiment and wear things in ways they aren’t supposed to be worn.

Don’t overspend on trends, especially when they’re going to be out in a few months. I feel like people tend to over consume on microtrends that don’t last when you can buy pieces that will last and style them in ways that help showcase your own personal style

How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Sneakers 6, but including heels and boots like 12

What's your favourite pair?
My Nocta Hotsteps