Jordan DeRuiter is a fashion designer from the Georgian Triangle who getting lots of buzz, and rightfully so.

A graduate of CCI and George Brown College, her beautiful and unique creations are sold in various stores in Toronto. Jordan was kind enough to sit down with me to answer a few questions for the lovely readers of the Enterprise Bulletin.

When did you start making clothes?

JR: When I got my first sewing machine at 5 years old, but I really started to make clothing in the eighth grade. It was more of an attempt to be different than any real desire to be more “fashionable”.

Have you always had a passion for clothes? Did you always know that this is what you wanted to do?

JR: I have definitely always had a bit of a thing for dressing up, as someone with a big personality I always found myself dressing to reflect that. I was very unsure about taking the leap to be in the fashion industry but when it go to the point where I couldn’t see myself doing anything else, I knew I had to just go for it.

How has the Georgian Triangle area influenced you and/or your work?

JR: As a proud country girl I think that I definitely have more of a mixed style than some of the “city” girls I now see on a regular basis, and it definitely gives me a girly yet laid back vibe for my collection.

Also, the support that I had growing up from the people and businesses in Collingwood was something that was really incredible and helped me realize my dreams a little sooner.

No matter where I go in my life I will always think of Creemore as home. I am sure I will be back there some day with a studio, working on my line and enjoying the country life.

Describe your clothing line.

JR: My clothing line is called “Jordan de Ruiter,” after playing around with a few other names over the first few years I was in business I realized I was never going to love anything as much as my name.

It is without a doubt an ultra girly, ultra whimsical collection. One of my most popular pieces I find myself repeating every season are printed, strapless party dresses. In general I think and hope!) that I am becoming known for my use of prints and color while still producing garments that are wearable.

What are the things that inspire you?

JR: Every season is different. For Spring/Summer 2013 I’m drawing a lot of inspiration from the 1970s, music festivals and the main character in Dorris Heffron’s “City Wolves”.

Key to a great look?

JR:

Confidence! Know what you love, and what looks good on you and you will be able to pull it off.

What items do you think every woman should have in her closet?

JR: It definitely varies person to person.

I know for me my essentials are a neutral blazer, my denim button-up, printed dresses and a little black dress.

What is a typical working day like for you?

JR: There is no such thing! There are times when I am doing nothing but pattern drafting and making samples.

Sometimes I feel like I am sewing for weeks on end.

The days I am in the studio I start off with a coffee, breakfast and depending on the weather I sit outside with my dog to plan my day. If I have to do any running around like dropping off orders, picking up supplies, and meeting contractors I try to get those things out of the way so I have the afternoon to work.

Of course being an entrepreneur I do find myself working until two or three in the morning some nights, and having a whole day off is pretty much a thing of the past!

What is the best thing about being a fashion designer?

JR: On a good day it’s like playing with Barbie, for grown ups!

What are some big fashion mistakes that drive you crazy?

JR: I was guilty of wearing head to toe black for a period of my life and now I love color and prints.

I think people wear too much black.

Do you have any advice for aspiring fashion designers or artists?

JR: Surround yourself with the people who support you. If there’s only one thing you can see yourself doing as a career, do everything you can to make that happen.

Nothing in life happens purely because of luck and it takes a lot of hard work and determination to get to a point where your hobby becomes a career.

Prepare for lots of stress, anxiety, hard work and yes, sometimes tears, but I promise it is all worth it to be able to do what you love.

I recommend going new places and trying new things but never forget where you came from — it helped make you who you are!

Where can people purchase your clothes?

JR: Currently my garments are available online via my website, at Bicyclette Boutique (880 Queen St. West), and Coal Miners Daughter (587 Markham St. and 744 Queen St. West). Hopefully with more stores to come by Spring 2013!

Do you have any events coming up?

JR: I will be at The Spot on Queen which is a weekend pop-up that happens all summer at Queen and Bathurst in Toronto. I will be there July 20-22 and Aug 31 - September 2.

Website/Facebook/Twitter?

JR: 

www.jordanderuiter.com , www.facebook.com/jordanderuiter , @jordanderuiter

Thank you Jordan!

JR: Thank you!

Find out more about Jordan and her line by checking out her website, and if you are looking to add something new (and home grown) to your closet Jordan’s clothes are the perfect solution. Have a great week everyone, and make sure to follow her on Twitter!