Jessica Jensen: Designer

Why is Toronto a great city for fashion?
Designers support each other as a community rather than competing.

Why is Toronto not a great city for fashion?
Unfortunately we don’t have the population or the wealth that larger and older international cities do to truly launch the careers of new designers. It is hard to catch the eyes of retailers and focus on Canadian sales strategies to help finance us when the whole world is fighting for a spot in the same few stores.

Toronto Fashion Week is no longer taking place in Nathan Phillips Square, but on the future site of a condo development in Liberty Village. Thoughts?
I’m happy it’s moved closer to the west end, which is transitioning to be the new fashion and arts district. It’s the core of Toronto’s artistic culture.

What’s one piece of your wardrobe you absolutely can’t live without?
My Mark Lash 19kt white gold diamond ring.

What trends do you expect we’ll be seeing a lot of at LGFW?
I anticipate asymmetry, transparency and fluid draping.

If you were an Olympus-dwelling fashion god, what trend would you bring back?
Curves.

What’s your favorite style decade?
The 1940′s have always had my heart. This was the time when American women developed their own sense of style.

Tell us about your favorite street in the world to go shopping on.
I actually have two favorite streets, but they fall into one another as if they were one perfect shopping street: Rue de Faubourg St Honoré and Boulevard Haussman.

If you could go for a cocktail with your style icon, who would it be, what would you drink, and what would you (hope to) talk about?
Lauren Hutton, prinot grigio, discussing what has changed over the last 30 years since she started her career, as well as her favourite style icons from the younger generation.

Fill in the blank: ____________ is a trend I can live without.
Shoulder pads are a trend I can live without.

Describe your perfect go-to outfit for a night out:
A shift dress, tights, heels and an oversized clutch

Fill in the blank: ___________ is the new black.
Grey is the new black.

You are most happy when you are wearing…
A day dress with a pair of modest 2″ heels.

If your style was a song – what would it be?
“1234″ by Feist. I love the line “You know who you are” even though the rest of the song is irrelevant in this context. Her pure and feminine voice and the simplicity of the song title also parallel my style.

If you could purchase an extravagant item in the quadruple digits – what would you buy?
I already have my next big purchase planned! I’m looking at a custom chandelier for my office. Jordan and Murray from Hardware Interiors are designing it! It merges traditional chandelier crystal with a clear acetate modern shade, trimmed in ivory fabric taping. Very luxe, very feminine.

What makes your design unique?
I don’t over think design. All of my designs are pared-down and reflective of my love for timeless pieces along with a desire for a modern day twist. It’s a natural process formed to create long lasting product, where as I see many designers who simply try too hard to create something so outside of the box, that they forget that the design still needs to compliment our everyday life.