Q & A with Julia Grieve

Trendsetter and entrepreneur, Julia Grieve, is a pioneer in the eco-friendly fashion space, leading the way with her global upcycled fashion brand, Preloved. Stumbling across the part of the fashion industry eager to make a difference, Julia found her calling; creating beautiful designs while taking small steps towards a cleaner planet. 

Julia certainly captivates an audience as seen in her many successful years on television sharing her fashion tips and tricks with her loyal following. The environmentalist, fashion designer and mom of three truly does it all.

We’re so excited to bring you our Q & A with Julia Grieve!

What does comfort mean to you?

Comfort to me is familiar. I’m definitely a creature of habit, I’m adventurous and I’ll try new things to figure out what I like best, but nothing is more comforting than people, places and things I know and love.

Do you think comfort and sustainability can go hand in hand?

Yes, absolutely. Sustainability is ultimately the most comfortable thing in the world, what is more comforting than knowing you’re doing your part?

You certainly have lots of experience in design. What does this process look like for you?

We work with vintage clothing and materials but our design process is similar to any other brand. We begin with mood boards and draw from our everyday lives, looking at the season's trends, then we source the vintage materials and clothing instead of bolts of brand-new fabrics. We’ve recently started working with recycled cotton and it’s been a game changer, it is new fabric made from recycled fabric!

Where do you take inspiration from in your designs?

Each season we draw from different places— historically it’s been vintage clothing and materials that inspire these new designs. Lately we’ve been inspired by comfort, making pieces that are wearable and become go to staples in your closets.

Are you team PJ set of team Nightie? 

Team PJ Set all the way!!!

What's the first thing you do when you walk through your door at the end of the day? 

Cuddle my dog, Riddick! then immediately after, clean my kitchen from the mess the kids left, and pour myself a glass of wine.

What's the most important thing you look for in sleepwear?

Fit, if it doesn’t fit perfectly and feel comfy, I just can’t sleep.

What does made in Canada mean to you?

Everything! It is the most natural and single most important thing for a sustainable brand. Investing in, supporting and being supported by your local economy makes the world go round. And you know, the relationship between a designer and manufacturer is so intertwined, you’re working with someone to bring your vision to life, being able to walk in and have a face-to-face chat is so vital! There’s nothing like it.

Do you have a bedtime routine? If so, what do you do to prep for sleep?

Not really a bedtime routine gal, I try to stay away from screens an hour before bed. If I’m lucky, I’ll squeeze in a Peloton meditation, read a few pages and fall asleep. 

When was the last time you stayed in jammers all day (AKA had the best day ever)?

Last Saturday, it was pouring rain! Nothing like a cozy rainy day spent in jammies.

At what time of day do you get your best work done?

I’m an early bird, so between the hours of 5-7 am are my magic hours.

You seem to have stumbled across this passion for sustainable fashion. What would you like people to know about being eco conscious and fashionable at the same time?

That it’s 100% possible, and you can look great doing it!

Who has been your most important professional mentor?

Syd Beder, has been a great mentor to me. He’s been in this industry so much longer than I have and I’ve loved seeing how his career has evolved. He’s always been such a creative and supportive force to me and many others.

How do you define environmentalism?

Well I can’t spell it, that’s for sure. I consider my deck the Accidental Environmentalist, my approach is optimistic and realistic. We’re not overhauling our lives tomorrow, that’s just not sustainable. Taking small steps.

Are you a go out and dance on tables or stay in and cozy type of person?

I’m a go out and dance on tables till 8:30pm person, and then I go and get right in bed. I’ll party like a rockstar, as long as I’m asleep by 9.

How did you discover This Is J?

I’m always on the look out for new cool Canadian brands and being in the same industry our paths have crossed in the past. I love my This is J robe, it was my first This is J piece.

If you could go back and give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Life is not linear, there are peaks and dips on the journey. This is something I didn’t figure out until I was almost 40, it can be two step forward, one step back at some points. But that’s still a net step forward.