INTERVIEW WITH Nicole Picard

Jessie Lajoie

What are the inspirations behind your collections?
I am influenced by the talented and strong woman around me. So when I was creating this collection I not only had them in mind but also well-known women that made a difference or mark in history.
I chose to name each of my styles after influential women such as the  “Josephine Baker” lace skirt, the “Simone de Beauvoir” flounce skirt, and the “Virginia Woolf” fitted top.

What sort of pieces are featured in the collection?
I would say most definitely the smoky plum blazer named “Margaret Mead”

Where is the collection available?
Delano Design, 70 rue St.Paul.O. (514.28.5005)
Madras, 4304 St. Denis (514.286.0138)

Do you live in Montreal? What is your favorite city?
I have been living in Montreal since I was 12. It’s a place that has all sorts of dualities to me. It has a sense of mystery and it’s yet familiar like an old friend. I continue to discover new places and people every time I turn a corner. My favorite city … honestly I am not a pure city person. I am drawn more to oceans and countryside. One of my favorite places in the last couple of years was visiting the vineyards and rolling hills of the south of France, mainly near Bordeaux.

What are some of your wardrobe essentials?
Blazers (with bold linings!) and large earrings. I don’t wear any accessories except earrings.
I would rather have more intricate details within my clothes than on my body.
And I always wear skirts and dresses. I only really own 2 pairs of jeans..

What was one trend you hope not to see again?
Low rider jeans and the 80’s revival of music and style. I see the new inspiration of the 1940s and ‘50s period re-emerging (fine hats with veils, fitted suits, knee high stockings, and feathers)

What are your fashion essentials when you travel?
I am a one bag kind of traveler. It started back when I traveled to India, and I was carrying everything. I knew I had to make new rules to what I needed to bring. So I got tough and managed to squeeze what I needed into one place. My first choices would be a light-weight dress, flip-flops, and my versatile big scarf for everything.

What designer do you particularly admire?
Easily the first one I would pick would be Betsey Johnson. She is one designer who doesn’t take herself seriously and constantly takes risks with her ideas. She also is killer at creating a hot party dress.

Any dressing tips for this winter?
If you’re amongst the snowy streets of Montreal, you will probably have a fur hat or a woolen long coat and some kind of silky, satin number underneath. We still like to feel sexy in the cold weather!