JESSICA
First, can you tell us a little about your music?
I’ve been doing music ever since I was born. My mother was a musician and studies music of the world, among other things. I’ve been singing ever since I can remember. My main band, the one I write all the music for, is called The Jessica Stuart Few, and that’s my main project. It’s kind of like a groove-jazz sort of thing, but it’s a little quirkier than that.
How would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic. Heavy on the retro/vintage, but mixing together key pieces from different time periods for my overall look.
Why is fashion/personal style important to you?
I really respect fashion design throughout the eras as functional art. It can also be the outer representation of what a person is on the inside.
Can you tell me about your hairstyle?
I lived in Israel for a year. I sort of just woke up one day and I was like, “I think I’m meant to have dreads.” Stopped using conditioner, kept using shampoo, and it just kind of clumped together. I’ve had them for over ten years now.
What was it like living in Israel?
It’s intense. In Jerusalem, it feels like something’s always about to happen. And being in the desert, like actually in the middle of the desert, just puts it into perspective about how small we are, and how timeless everything is.
What about the fashion?
I actually found Tel Aviv to be the most fashion forward place I had been at that time. One thing that struck me was how the men also were a lot more fashion forward than the men in Canada.
Can you tell me about your cape?
It’s a 50’s cape. I used to be a vintage clothing buyer, and so this is one of the pieces I picked up.
So, you don’t work as a clothing buyer anymore?
I quit that to do full-time music. Actually, my old boss was in town – we’re still friends – and he asked me if I’d be interested in doing it part-time. It’s very demanding. He asked me to do it a couple of days a week, and I said, “No, I don’t think I’m interested.” And then, he’s like, “What would you do?” And I’m like, ”I think one day is my maximum per week,” because it’s just busy and it’s hard to make time for that kind of stuff.
Can you tell me about your skirt?
Well, it was a slip in the 60s. And someone made it themselves, obviously, because the hems aren’t perfect. I just think it’s a cool colour palette. A bunch of colours you wouldn’t necessarily see together, so I like it. I’m sure back in the day it was worn under stuff, but nowadays, more is acceptable.
Shoes?
I got them last year. They’re El Naturalista. They’re the comfiest pair of heels I’ve ever had. I love them.
Is there anything you would never wear?
Big shoulder pads, leggings that go to the ankle, jeans with a denim jacket, stilettos.
Where do you like to shop?
Vintage stores, Girl Friday, Balisi, H&M, boutiques with sales on.
What was the last cool thing you bought?
Vintage off-white leather purse with a motorcycle jacket detail. (See picture)
JESSICA
What is your next must-have purchase?
Colourful dress/casual flats.
Favourite designers?
Bottega Veneta, Kenzo, Elsa Schiaparelli, indigenous peoples clothing (native culture etc.)…
Favourite brands?
For shoes – Fly Girl, El Naturalista.
For jeans – Paper Denim, Citizens of Humanity. Most of my shirts/skirts/dresses are random vintage brands!
What are your interests and hobbies?
Nature – camping/hiking/bike riding/swimming.
Arts & culture – live music, art of all media.
Meeting people – public space, coming together for a common cause, spontaneous fun.
What can’t you live without?
My guitar.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I play the traditional Japanese instrument called the “koto”. I started taking lessons when I lived in Japan as a child.
How did you end up living in Japan?
My parents had both lived in Japan in the 70s. They had both planned to go back at some point when me and my older sister were old enough to gain something from the experience. So, when I was 9, and my sister was 12, we went over there and spent a year there. We were living in a very rural place in Nagano Prefecture. There were no English speakers, or anything like that. My sister and I both went to Japanese school. And we did a Canadian correspondence course so we could go into our next grade when we came back, and not be held back. But it was an amazing experience.
What was it like going to a Japanese school?
Oh, that was weird because I was very blonde when I was a child, and those kids, being from a rural town, had never seen a blonde person before. They just thought I was cool because I was from North America, and I was blonde. I found that I felt kind of alone, because no one actually cared to get to know me, or knew anything about me. I had one real, awesome best friend, and a few other sort-of friends, but yeah, it was definitely a super formative experience in my life.
What are your favourite cities?
Tokyo, New York, Toronto, Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico.
What’s your current obsession?
Last.fm
Last good book you read?
Paul Auster’s ‘The New York Trilogy’
What music are you listening to lately?
Hanne Hukkelberg, Thom Gill.
What would you like to do in the future?
Continue to write music & play it to the widest audience possible!
