Michelle Bylow is an influential force in the Canadian art scene. Previously owning and operating Toronto art gallery Moniker and currently the Executive Director of RAW Artists Canada, she has helped thousands of independent artists jump start their careers. Michelle is also a fashion designer. We chatted about her newest collection from her fashion brand JoJee Apparel.
Did you have this collection in mind pre-Covid?
Yes. I started to work on the collection in November, 2019.
What is it like working on a collection during a pandemic?
A little weird. Everything has been a little weird during this time. Fabric stores were online only for several months and this forced me to be more creative and use the fabrics that I already had. The positive - I had more studio time to work and focus.
Did you ever get discouraged while working on this collection?
Daily.
Why did you call the collection Too Cool For TV?
You don’t need the media or TV to tell you what to wear or how to think. Be you and F*&# everything else.
Photo by Amanda Shear
Models (left to right) Crystal Robinson @crystalrobinson8317, Terence Kissner @Terence Kissner
What is your personal favourite from the collection?
I am really digging the menswear. It’s my first time releasing men’s clothing. I also like the pieces that have the hand made “Too Cool” patches on the back. They tie the collection together.
Photos by Amanda Shear
Models (top photo, bottom photo) Greg Arbour @arbourgreg, Stuart Weiner
Too Cool For TV launched August 17th. What has the reception been like so far?
I’m happy with the reception thus far. Lots of website hits, orders, comments, and likes. Now more than ever it is important to support local business.
Are you self taught or did you study fashion design?
I am self taught. Sewing is a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family. My Nanna told me a story of her mother taking down their curtains to make her a dress during the depression when money was scarce. My Mom made a lot of my figure skating costumes and I remember watching her do it. I got into the sewing and designing to create costumes for myself and music partner. At the time we were touring and performing mostly at goth/cyber parties. It was fun to have no limits on worrying about reproduction. Purely creative. From there I moved into a more ready to wear style to brush up my skills and make sure I knew how to make and reproduce all styles of garments. I do everything from the pattern drafting/grading to the designing and construction. I learnt a lot by taking clothing apart to see how it’s made. Also, a lot of trial and error.
Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by anyone who is passionate about something. Listening to someone talk about their passion is amazing to me. Hearing what they give up in the pursuit, the good the bad and everything in-between.
Who is your dream client?
Anyone who gets the vibe of the clothing. I’ve had orders from teenagers to clients well into their 60’s. It makes me smile to imagine people rocking my clothing.
What is your advice for any aspiring fashion designers?
Make sure you take the time to build a good foundation of skills. Work on the things you suck at daily. Set your long-term goal, then work backwards to plan out how you will meet it. If you can, get industrial sewing machines. They make a world of difference. Remember that this is a business you are creating. There is a lot more work to be done than just designing and making clothing. Brush up on your business skills if you are wanting to make this a career.
Photos by Amanda Shear
Models (left to right) Jay Salazar @m.c.m.l.x.x.i.v, Meredith Chasin @mer_the_acrobat
Follow Jojee Apparel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
Interview by Glodeane Brown
Photographs by Amanda Shear - IG @amanda.shear
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