HALIFAX WELCOMES MONTREAL BRAND JUDITH AND CHARLES TO SPRING GARDEN ROAD

Modern fashion for women that hugs and flatters your curves in all the right places with the most luxurious fabrics no less. Recently I stopped into newly opened Judith and Charles, Halifax location to learn what they are all about, and guys I’m in love with this brand.

Not only is the clothing absolutely beautifully made, and everything I tried on fit like a dream, but this is a brand that also gives back.

Y’all know how I’m a sucker for brands with a conscious, so you can imagine my excitement to learn that Judith and Charles support education programs in the Dominican Republic (also a place I just recently visited, so this collaboration couldn’t be more perfect). Okay so let’s get you up to speed with the brand.

Judith and Charles is a Montreal based brand, with 11 locations all across Canada. From: Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal (of course) and now Halifax!

Embodying the Judith & Charles upscale experience, each boutique promotes a visual-ease in a gallery-like setting.

Art work is carefully curated, and the interiors adhere to the brand’s “less is more” aesthetic and showcase clean lines, natural materials, and a neutral palette.

“Clients can be confident every time they walk into a store : they know they’re going to see the finest collections and be greeted by highly trained staff. They know the whole experience will be impeccable.”— CHARLES LE PIERRÈS

ABOUT THE CLOTHING

Each Judith & Charles collection is a deliberate fusion and contrast of Judith and Charles: feminine softness and strength are integrated with the inspirations of well-structured menswear. The instinct to design and manufacture eighty percent of the collection locally means they are both homegrown and supportive of the local economy. It also allows full control over production, pushing their strongest assets – fit and quality – to the forefront.

WHAT I’M WEARING

Turtleneck Sweater, Skirt, and Jacket c/o Judith and Charles.

All of the clothing from Judith and Charles fit me so well, I loved the consistency in the sizing. I wasn’t fetching various sizes all over the place.

The Alder pattern skirt hugged my curves like a dream, and I loved the weight of the fabric, and flexibility of the shape. I never once felt constricted, or that I couldn’t move about freely which is usually a struggle for me and my dancer booty.

I love the pattern, it’s kind of like an elevated camouflage making it equal parts elegant, as edgy. I can’t wait to bust it out over and over for the holidays.

This lilac sweater is a wool cashmere blend and feels amazing against the skin. I know I’ll be living in this sweater all winter long, but what’s great about these natural fibers is that (a) they are more breathable so they adapt with you to fluctuating temperatures, but (b) they don’t adsorb odor.

Lastly we need to talk about the beautiful Luxembourg Coat. I mean look at this color it’s simply stun-ning. For the first thing people see when you walk into the door, to the only thing people see when you’re on the side walk I’ve always been an advocate for investing in a great coat. I mean how many months of the year do we get winter here? All of them haha

CELEBRITY STATUS

Much to my surprise I’ve been told many times that my personal style is very similar Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, while I’m always in shock by these comments I definitely take them as a compliment. And you can imagine my excited to learn that she’s a huge supporter of the Judith and Charles brand! She was spotted wearing the Black Judith and Charles Tuxedo Dress when attending Hamilton.

A MISSION TO EMPOWER

At Judith & Charles they strive want to override any uncertainty women feel choosing or wearing clothing. Aiming to facilitate the confidence, strength and comfort women need in the boardroom, at a first interview, or simply just on a weekend. Judith and Charles continue this theme by supporting causes close to their hearts and women worldwide, as proud sponsors of Dress for Success Montreal, an organization dedicated to the advancement of women in business.

MORE THAN JUST CLOTHING

In 2015, Charles Le Pierrès opened Charlie’s Foundation, a Canadian non-profit organization that teaches Dominican youth the English Language combined with tennis instruction, connecting them with the wider world and improving their future career prospects.

This Fall Judith and Charles is celebrating their 3-year anniversary of Charlie’s Foundation. The method at the Charlie Foundation combines English lessons with tennis instruction, because they believe in the power of sport to motivate, challenge and inspire.

Charles grew up in France in an impoverished family and recognized the struggles of the Dominican children many of the difficulties he faced in his own childhood, particularly the crushing weight of poverty.

Currently, Charlie’s Foundation teaches English and Tennis to approximately 150 children who live in La Ciénaga, Cabarete. There are three programs:

The Early Childhood English Immersion program currently caters to children from ages 3 to 5. Children in this program will attend 1-hour sessions 5 times per week, splitting their daily time equally between the classroom and the tennis court.
The Elementary English as a Second Language program caters to children ages 6 to 12. Students will attend 1.5 hours of instruction daily from Tuesday through Saturday. They will receive 1 hour of English instruction and 30 minutes of tennis instruction.
Third, the 13+ Program is for our older students who have now been with us for a couple of years. Currently, the program continues to teach English and have the students work on projects that are relevant to their community. With time, they hope to turn this program into a Career Readiness / Vocational Training program. Finally, as if that’s not enough, in the summer, they also run a summer camp for 6 weeks! Pretty amazing right??

For more information on Charlie’s Foundation, you can visit www.charliesfoundation.org. For instructions on how to donate, you can visit http://charliesfoundation.org/donate/