Last night marked the last of our Notable Designer Series at the Notable Lounge, a candid and estrogen-filled chat with handbag designer Jessica Jensen. A self-professed former tomboy, Jensen launched her namesake handbag label for Spring/Summer 2008 and it has since become a must-have among in-the-know fashionistas and celebrities alike – both on the red carpet and for everyday wear. The bags are known for their luxurious styling, their fine Italian leathers and materials, custom-made hardware and their effortless sensibility. Their classic design ensures that they will remain wardrobe staples season after season.
Celebrities spotted carrying Jessica Jensen bags include Katie Holmes, Helen Mirren, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Connelly, Vivica A. Fox, Kristin Booth and Sarah McLachlan. For those with smaller budgets than the Hollywood elite, Jessica Jensen Signature was created as a more affordable option for handbag lovers. Jessica Jensen handbags and accessories are designed in her Toronto studio and carried in upscale boutiques across North America. In addition to her namesake label, Jensen garnered over 10 years experience in marketing and designing licensed and private label accessories for over 25 international brands, including Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, The Hudson’s Bay company, Tommy Hilfiger, Claiborne and Roots, among others.
Jensen chatted about everything from her early days to her go-to bags and her plans for the future.
On starting out…
I think that the very first time I knew I was going to be in fashion was when I was really young. I came from a family of four kids, and three of those were girls, so my mother would sew in tiny little labels to our clothes to make her life easier when doing laundry. So, with my nametag in the clothes, I used to pretend that I designed my entire outfit. We came from a small town so there really weren’t a lot of options as far as fashion was concerned, so I was a big Sears catalogue shopper because they had a whole line called Jessica. I would wear Jessica everything. I was actually a big tomboy compared to my sisters, but my one sister would always tell me that I was going to be a high-heel-wearing, briefcase-carrying, moneymaking machine. Now it’s like, ok, switch that briefcase for a handbag. She was very smart for an eight-year-old. She knew what I was going to do better than I did. For a long time, I thought I was going to be a lawyer or an architect, or something along those lines.
On her Ryerson days…
I went to Ryerson when I was 17 and it was the last year that Ryerson had this program that was basically a business marketing program but also a fashion design one as well. I don’t think my parents wanted me to study arts alone, so this made sense. When I got there, everyone seemed way out there, with pink hair and sky-high platforms, and I definitely felt like I stood out coming from this small town, and that they wouldn’t approve of me. The first year, I dyed my hair black, trying to be cool – which I don’t recommend to anyone. Don’t try to be anyone else, be who you are. Now, I think that comes across in my product. I am not trying to be trendy in any way or follow the ideas of others.
On the early career days…
Once school ended, I was determined to travel in the summer, but on the last day of classes this teacher approached me in the hall and told me that McGregor’s had this job opening and that I should go for it. I wanted to so badly – I don’t say no to anything. I got the position and worked there for quite some time in their design and marketing department, so that is really what got me started in accessories and also working with licensed and private label brands. As I got more involved with a lot of the New York and Paris offices, I started to understand that it is not one person that runs a brand, but different companies all coming together under the vision of a name. Calvin Klein, for example, is not an expert in ready-to-wear, homewear, swimwear, and lingerie – because you just can’t do it all. They actually hire companies that are experts in that field. From there I progressed into watches and other products. Then I worked for another company as a fashion director, where I again got to work with great brands. There I realized that maybe this is how Canadian brands can become successful, by really owning a product category, and I decided to do it myself. A co-worker and I went out for lunch one day and she asked when I would start my own business and bet me my new Prada shoes that I wouldn’t leave the company before Independence Day. But, I left way before that. I was out so quickly that I forgot that I had a bonus coming the next month. I started right away, and in six months I brought it to market and launched in January 2008. I guess the rest is history.
On choosing handbags…
I think a handbag is the first statement you can make. You can wear a white t-shirt and jeans and rock a great bag, and at the end of the day that makes a great statement. I think that is even more so true than with shoes. I also love the fact that it is one-size-fits-all and sometimes we just want to buy something that makes us feel good as opposed to going into a change room and trying on a dozen pieces that may or may not fit. I also wanted to create something that lasts a lifetime. Clothes come and go, but your wardrobe builders are things like your bags, accessories and jewellery. It is really nice to build a timeless product, but eventually I want to do everything.
On working with private labels…
In addition to the Signature collection, we also do private label development, and that is a big part of the brand. It is very difficult to finance a fashion business. I didn’t come from money and worked my ass off for all that I have. You have to find a way to support your vision and a lot of fashion brands rely on other sponsors or backers. I am 100 per cent self-financed, so what I decided was to build up my business with a couple of different revenue streams and one of them is doing product development for other private labels and my name is not on it. We work with department stores and innovative brands looking for a new product category. I eventually see myself getting into licensing as well, where I actually own the labels and bring loyalty back to the brand. We also do a lot of corporate collaborations, like one with Visa to design a limited edition tote bag for TIFF. Another recent project was with Minto condo developers, where I got to re-design a penthouse suite.
On big career moments…
A big high was when Katie Holmes got a bag. It was purchased by another actress who was working with her on a project and was a gift. Knowing that these people can afford anything and they picked your product is a good feeling. Shortly after I started the line, I was in Vogue, and that was also really cool.
On the best part of the job…
I love the challenge of the business. I love the business element and could do any business. I also mentor other businesses, and the challenge involved with that really drives me. There is something to be said for trying to figure out the game. Every day is a piece of it; you need to get ahead of the game.
On the greatest challenges…
Every day is a rollercoaster and you have to be a strong enough character to get through all the lows. It is important to remember that your lows are equal to your highest highs. One second life can suck, but the next you could get a phone call that has you jumping up and down with excitement.
On her favourite bag…
What I actually carry the most is not necessarily what I love the most, but I always use our Market Tote. It is modelled after a paper shopping bag and has really comfortable leather straps. It is so easy – you can literally do anything with this bag. It is so special because it isn’t special. Of course I love the envelope clutches because they are the ones that get photographed a lot on red carpets. In general, though, I tend to go in three to five-month phases with my bags.
On travel…
Everything I do now is inspired by my travels and I am always travelling – whether it is a weekend road trip or hopping on a plane on a whim. I love running in Paris. I love Hong Kong; there is so much energy there. Nobody cares about their tiny little bachelor pads; they are always out and about. I also have a soft spot for New York and Italy. I have spent a lot of time in Costa Rica, in this raw surf town that is free from all-inclusive hotels on the water.
On what’s next…
I have a very big global vision and that comes with working with big brands. I didn’t start working with indie labels, so it is difficult to me to not want to be very big. I could venture into furniture, maybe shoes. But I need to align myself with the right company for that. I want to do it all.
Click here to see the full gallery of the evening.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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