A commitment to slow fashion and minimalism SHERYL NADLER
Sofia Del Giacco’s classic and enduring clothing line is the embodiment of hygge
SOFIA DEL GIACCO was rifling through her packed closet one day when she muttered a refrain familiar to women worldwide: I’ve got nothing to wear.
At the time, this born-and-raised Montrealer (who is now a newish Hamiltonian) was immersed in the fashion industry in her hometown, working on the design teams at Canadian heavy-hitters Reitmans Group, and Mexx Group.
But that notion, that in a packed closet she had nothing to wear, hinted at a greater fashion journey to come. As Del Giacco became more interested in selecting wardrobe pieces that are more classic and enduring than trendy, she found herself leaning toward a different philosophy.
“I became interested in minimalism and I opted to move away from where I had been working,” says Del Giacco. “It made sense to move in a direction that suited my lifestyle in terms of a profession, but also in terms of my own fashion interest.”
So in 2015 she made a leap, leaving her job and launching her own line of minimalist clothing, Hutchison, named for a street in Montreal’s garment district. She became part of the shift away from the “fast fashion” industry to one that prioritizes being mindful about things like sustainability when selecting pieces to build a wardrobe.
“Slow fashion ... is about wasting less by producing smaller quantities,” says Del Giacco, 31. “The focus is on quality manufacturing. The process can take a bit more time, but I am involved throughout the different
steps. In the end, we take a longer time to turn around a new collection, but will stay relevant for seasons to come.”
The Hutchison line is the embodiment of the Danish term “hygge,” a concept that embraces comfort and coziness. Oversized sweatshirts, soft long-sleeved tees and roomy swing dresses are dominant pieces. But Del Giacco adds a little bit of extra oomph to most of them, like the slight drape in the neckline and dropped shoulders of the Jackie white and black pinstripe top she wears here with thrifted black skinny jeans. Or a rounded hem on the thigh-length Jessie sweatshirt.
When it comes to her wardrobe today, Del Giacco says Hutchison, which is sold in shops across the country (including White Elephant locally) and in the eastern United States, is a good reflection of her own sense of style. She lives in skinny jeans (particularly black ones) and classic, comfortable tops. She is a big believer that a great pair of black ankle boots, like the Kurt Geiger leather booties she wears here, are always worth the money because they can be dressed up or down, worn with jeans, pants, skirts, dresses.
“I got them on my honeymoon in Ireland over four years ago and wear them all the time,” says Del Giacco, who moved to Hamilton a little over a year ago and plans to bring Hutchison’s manufacturing here from Montreal in the new year. “(They) went to the cobbler a few times, actually.” Most eye-catching piece
The Isla stripe dress from our spring line, which will be carried at Hamilton’s White Elephant in March. Doubles as a great maternity piece. I practically lived in that dress all summer while I was pregnant. Quirkiest wardrobe item
It isn’t the quirkiest, but definitely not something I would wear in public. I wear my partner’s oversized grey joggers and bright red hoodie. Wardrobe must-have (Black skinny) jeans.
Best purchase Isobell (vintage gold and brass) Indian Wake Necklace. Regrets buying Coloured stockings. Loves to shop at Hawk & Sparrow (on James Street North) and White Elephant (has shops on James Street North and on King Street in Westdale). Ridding your closet of Anything that doesn’t fit well anymore. Splurges on Shoes (black booties) and coats. Beauty item you can’t live without Dior Addict Lip Glow in Coral.
“Slow fashion ... is about wasting less by producing smaller quantities.” SOFIA DEL GIACCO