Styling Jessica Clark X Words + Photography Lia Crowe
Boulevard turns the spotlight on wardrobe stylist and costume designer Jessica Clark—who usually works behind the scenes on fashion shoots—as she displays some of her favourite pieces from local designers.
Jessica grew up in the industry; her father is a professional photographer and through that relationship, she fell in love with visual storytelling. Inspired by the richness of cultural dress that she saw during travels in South America and A frica, Jessica studied textiles and clothing at the University of Alberta and fashion and styling at Blanche Macdonald in Vancouver. With nearly a decade of styling behind her, Jessica says she still feels like she’s just getting started.
“Fashion is part of our history,” she adds. “It’s exciting to be telling our story of today to someone who will look back on it from the future. Collaborating with so many different creative people, from film directors to photographers to designers to makeup artists, is the most exhilarating part [of my work]because when we all join forces and bring our ideas to life, the experience is incredible and makes it all worth while.”
Jessica feels strongly that local designers are the magic within our communities: “There is so much talent in Canada and locally. I love the focus on sustainability, using ethically produced fabrics that last, and designing pieces that will be timeless. Right now especially, I think we all should take a good hard look at who we are supporting, who we are choosing to buy from and where is it being made. We have been forced into new shopping habits and now that things are opening up again, I think it is important to be aware of our responsibility as consumers to continue to support local. As a stylist, I feel it is my duty to let others know about these talented and innovative people by working with them as often as I can on the projects that I do.”
When it comes to her own style, Jessica says she has trouble defining it because she loves so many styles. “That said, I love anything relaxed, feminine and effortless. Styles that look like they belong by the sea on a summer day are what you would likely catch me in. If I had to, I would say that I have a hippie soul and my style reflects a sense of nostalgia, romance, freedom and the female spirit. I am curious to see what is ahead of us in fashion; we have seen a major shift in the past few months from couture to comfort, and I think it is a time in our history that will be revolutionary for many in the fashion world.”
Take the High Road