Sustainable Style, Reimagined: A Q&A With Hijulez Founder Julie Roussy Newton

Vancouver’s fashion scene is getting a thoughtful refresh, thanks to Hijulez, the slow-fashion brand redefining what it means to dress sustainably. Handcrafted with care, each piece is made from deadstock, recycled, or eco-certified fabrics, with natural dyes adding an extra touch of earth-friendly elegance. But Hijulez isn’t just about beautiful clothing—it’s about longevity. Through their unique mending and re-imagining service, the brand helps customers extend the life of their wardrobe in creative and meaningful ways.

We caught up with founder and designer Julie Roussy Newton—whose training spans from Maison Lesage in Paris to Polimoda in Florence—to talk about sustainability, craftsmanship, and the future of slow fashion. —Noa Nichol

• Sustainability is at the heart of hijulez. What inspired you to create a fashion brand that prioritizes responsible sourcing and slow fashion?

From the start, I was committed to choosing responsibly sourced textiles and working exclusively with natural dyes. Each design begins with the material, ensuring the garment is crafted  to suit the fabric and extends its longevity. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to be something we’re genuinely proud of–timeless, versatile, and made to last in people’s closets for years to come.

• Your designs focus on timeless, long-lasting pieces. How do you balance sustainability with creativity when designing new collections?

I find so much joy in creating interesting, unexpected cutting lines within otherwise classic silhouettes. It’s a way to push creativity without sacrificing longevity,  the pieces feel unique but remain wearable and relevant over time.

• You studied embroidery at Maison Lesage in Paris and fashion design at Polimoda in Florence. How have these experiences shaped your approach to design and craftsmanship?

Studying at Maison Lesage taught me patience and precision, some projects took hundreds of hours to complete, and it showed me that true quality can’t be rushed. My time at Polimoda, on the other hand, opened my eyes to the emotional depth of fashion. It’s been an integral part of human expression for centuries, and it feels special to contribute to that ongoing story. I also learned that creativity isn’t always a constant flow; having a process to rely on when inspiration runs dry is invaluable. Spending time in Italy gave me an even deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and the beauty of well-made garments.

• Your grandfather and father both played a role in shaping your skills—one with a sewing machine, the other with suturing techniques. How do these early influences show up in your work today?

My grandparents were true style icons. My grandfather, a builder turned menswear shop owner, and my grandmother, who never left the house without a hat and a thoughtfully curated outfit, passed their love for fashion down to my mom and, inevitably, to me. I grew up playing dress-up with my grandmother’s vintage hats and my grandfather’s bespoke suits. When I received my first sewing machine at eight years old, I immediately started creating–everything from water bottle holders to flash drive cozies, selling them to my grade 4 classmates for $2. Around the same time, my dad  taught me how to suture after injuring his hand at a remote cabin. 

He later got me fake skin I could practice on, but I started using his technique on fabric instead, a skill that undoubtedly fueled my passion for embroidery and hand-stitching.

• Your mending and re-imagining service is such a unique offering. Why was it important for you to incorporate this into hijulez, and how has the response been?

It’s crucial to me that people feel they can live in their hijulez pieces,  and that they know we’ll be there to help mend or re-dye them when needed. There’s nothing worse than a favorite garment becoming unwearable due to a stain or small tear. Our clothes are meant to be loved and worn, and I always love  when a piece comes back to us for a little extra care and attention.

• What do you think needs to change in the fashion industry to move towards a more sustainable future?

The industry’s overproduction problem,  fueled by fast fashion giants, needs to stop. The sheer volume of poorly made, disposable clothing is devastating. We need to slow things down and return to valuing craftsmanship and longevity. I believe consumers are now shopping brands that use local manufacturing, where they have a better understanding of the time and skill behind the clothing they buy, fostering a stronger connection to the pieces they own.

• Can you give us a sneak peek into your upcoming April collection? What inspired this launch?

I’m incredibly excited about our new pieces launching for SS25. After the success of our Museum Skirt last year, I was inspired to expand on that concept: garments that feel as comfortable as sweatpants but still elevate your outfit. It’s about merging ease with elegance, practical pieces that make you feel effortlessly put together.

• From concept to final piece, what does your design process look like? Do you have any favorite materials or techniques you love working with?

My design process often starts with imagining what’s missing from my own closet, or my friends’ closets, that would bring us joy and elevate our wardrobes. Once I feel that spark of excitement about an idea, I move to the studio to start draping and patterning. Sketching is a helpful starting place, but working with the actual fabric always changes everything. It usually takes four or five samples to get a piece just right. Then comes the fun part! Playing with color, dyes, buttons, and all the tiny details that bring it to life. Depending on how a piece is received, we’ll either produce a small batch in-house or work with our partners at Studio 310 in East Vancouver for larger runs.

• hijulez is committed to body inclusivity and made-to-order designs. How do you ensure your pieces empower and celebrate all body types?

Growing up with a body that fluctuated year to year and watching my mom struggle to find clothes that fit her made me determined to create a better experience. As a small business, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of offering a wide size range, but it’s something I’m committed to expanding. Right now, we offer custom sizing and preorders for sizes beyond our standard range, and my goal is to eventually carry 2X-4X across all collections. It’s so important for people to feel like the clothes are made to fit them and not the other way around

• Fashion is often deeply personal. What do you hope people feel when they wear hijulez, and what legacy do you want to leave with your brand?

hijulez is a direct expression of who I am and what excites me with each collection. I want people to feel the thought, care, and craftsmanship behind every piece. I hope they feel empowered, hopeful, and connected,  knowing they’re supporting an artist’s journey and the talented team that makes it all possible.