Name: Lisa Huzel
Occupation: My job is being a physician – I specialize in Respiratory Medicine (diseases of the lungs) and Critical Care Medicine (caring for people who are extremely ill), but lately much of my time is occupied by the sport of Fencing!
Age: 49
Lifestyle: Flurries of activity! My work can keep me really busy, but I manage to fit some physical activity in most days – yoga, or fencing or both!
Trinidad Dress from Quebec label Rien Ne Se Perde
What’s a typical day like for you
My work schedule is somewhat irregular; I’ll work a week straight with super long hours and then have some time off in between.
I do Asthanga yoga 4-6 mornings per week (super early ifI am working in the hospital), and I attend fencing practice 2- 4 times a week (depending on my work schedule).
My husband and I compete in fencing tournaments which often involves travelling; usually they’re within driving distance but sometimes we have the opportunity to compete internationally – we competed in the Commonwealth Veterans Fencing Championships in New Zealand last November and I plan to compete at the World Veterans Fencing Companionships in Slovenia this coming October.
In December I was elected to the Medical Commission of the International Fencing Federation; this means more travelling. What free time I do have is generally spent relaxing with my knitting.
Assymetrical top (not available online) from Toronto label Studio Fresh. Pants from Toronto label It Fitz Me; Necklace handmade in Toronto by burfurtART.
What in your life is really important to you?
Being able to appreciate the wonder and beauty of the world, even in things that might seem mundane.
Dress: More Than a Wrap Dress by It Fitz Me
What would you like to be remembered for?
Being helpful and being capable.
Very limited edition Parachute Dress from the Candi Factory. In store only. Call 647 352 7123 or 416 594 1313 to ask about availability.
What role does fashion play in your life?
I like to use clothing as a creative outlet; I always try to “look professional” at work but I try to mix in something unique or unexpected.
Most work days I pick out what I am going to wear the night before, because I like to give some thought to my outfit (and also because I am on a tight timeline in the mornings).
When I am packing for a trip I like to challenge myself to build a little capsule wardrobe that still allows me to have fun with my outfit choices.
Wynette Dress from Toronto Fashion label Mandala Design. Necklace from Torched Studio.
What do you love about shopping at Fresh Collective?
It’s great to have a store that features Canadian designers! I also love that so many of the items are distinctive; they’re not just the same old thing that is available everywhere else.
Dress: More Than a Wrap Dress by It Fitz Me
What was your favourite outfit from the shoot and why?
I loved the wrap dress; it’s simple in design, but the pattern keeps it from being boring. I also have a thing for items made from knit or stretchy fabric because they don’t wrinkle easily.
Trinidad Dress from Quebec label Rien Ne Se Perde; Mica Cardigan from Jennifer Fukushima
How did you get into Veterans’ fencing?
Veteran’s fencing competitions are open to fencers over the age of 40. I actually fenced for a few years back in high school, but other sports ended up taking priority. My husband has fenced competitively for many years, and actually runs a fencing club and works as a fencing coach.
For years he has been telling me that I should get back into fencing, and back in 2014 when we were at the Commonwealth Veterans Fencing Championships in Scotland he pointed out that since I am tall and athletic that I could be good enough to compete at that level if I was willing to work hard.
In 2015 I started taking lessons and training hard and now I am ranked 6th in Canada in Veteran Women’s Epee (there are 3 different weapons in competitive fencing – foil, epee and sabre).
Assymetrical top (not available online) from Toronto label Studio Fresh. Pants from Toronto label It Fitz Me; Necklace handmade in Toronto by burfurtART.
Wynette Dress from Toronto Fashion label Mandala Design. Necklace from Torched Studio.