Back to basics
Jessica Mulroney, Canada’s top stylist, on launching her own fashion line
You could consider Jessica Mulroney Canada’s fashion fairy godmother. After catapulting Meghan Markle, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Tessa Virtue into the internationally recognized style set, she’s single-handedly turned the spotlight on our country’s sartorial scene.
But despite her high-profile clientele, jet-setting tendencies and mega-famous friends, Mulroney insists her day-to-day is totally normal.
“There is an assumption that I lead a bit of a glamorous life, which is completely the opposite of reality,” she says with a laugh.
It’s why, in her role as fashion specialist at Hudson’s Bay, she’s found a natural fit as spokesperson for the department store’s new CORE Life brand, a line of everyday basics including underwear, duffel bags, puffer coats and the perfect tee.
It’s not the type of apparel that earns a spot on the red carpet, but with its “elevated cosy” esthetic, as Mulroney puts it, you’re set for just about every other occasion. We sat down with Mulroney to chat about her ideal weekend wear and the casual approach she still holds near and dear. Why are great basics so important in a wardrobe?
“I love this collection because it comprises all of the pieces you have in your wardrobe that you don’t necessarily think about — but if they were gone, you’d really miss them. I used to rack my brain to try to find the perfect white T-shirt, the perfect loafer — I’d find something here, something there. What’s amazing about CORE Life is that we put all of them together in one room and it’s extremely affordable. Every person who has seen the collection has found 10 pieces they need in their wardrobe. Because that’s the stuff that we all wear all the time. You can really build your whole basics collection in one shop.” How does an off-duty stylist dress on the weekends?
“I’m a mom of three, so the weekends are packed like every other mom’s with hockey and games, birthday parties, barbecues. I barely have time for date night! Every once in a while (my husband) Ben will plan something a bit special, like a staycation or dinner at a fancier restaurant. But we love staying put in our backyard with the kids — of course, a bottle of
rosé always helps! For date night, I usually wear high-waisted jeans paired with a muscle tank and some great accessories. When I go to one of my children’s hockey games, I’m not in heels or anything designer. I just want to wear something that’s comfortable, but I don’t want to look like I rolled out of bed. Once in a while, I’ll go to a gala and wear something a little more special, but (what I’m wearing now) is 80 per cent of my wardrobe.” Has this casual esthetic always been part of your style identity?
“I’m from Montreal — it’s a very casual city where women are effortlessly fashionable. They could be wearing a pair of joggers and they just whip it together and look amazing. When I moved to Toronto, I was always the most casual person in the room — I probably still am. If I can get away with jeans, I will. But I’ve definitely updated my wardrobe with a lot of evening dresses since I’ve been here. When I got married to Ben, suddenly that part of my closet really grew. But I’m still the same person I was. I still feel that casual connection. If you saw my denim collection, you’d understand!”