It’s no secret that any Canadian designer that Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau wears gets thrust into the spotlight, and it was no different when she sported a couple of Ellie Mae jackets this year. Here the designer dishes on why she focuses on outerwear and what’s next for her line.

What triggered you to start your own collection?
After living in England for a couple years, I fell in love with their culture and how much fun people have with their fashion. I loved the colour and the bravery when it came to clothing, and I wanted to bring that back home with me and put that into our collection.

Why did you decide to focus solely on jackets?
I’ve always loved jackets — they are what I base my outfits around. I wanted to make more than just a leather jacket, something a little more novel with more texture and contrast. I also definitely did not want to shy away from colour. 

Where are your jackets available in Toronto? 
Riant Boutique (35 Bathurst St.) has the largest selection, but our stockists and e-commerce feature are online at www.elliemaestudios.com.

What is the one essential jacket every woman needs?
An aviator jacket. It is such a classic and they only get better the more you wear them. Anything with a sheepskin collar is an essential.

Where are your pieces made?
All of our pieces are made in Canada. Both of our manufacturers are down the street from our studio in Toronto.

Describe your personal style:
My style is quirky. I live in jeans and vintage tees.

Do you have plans to expand the collection? 
I have a very big imagination, so I never dreamt that this would be a line just of jackets. I want to organically expand from season to season.