Plaid and timelessness with BodyBag

A Childhood Dream

Judithe Desjardins, aka Jude, initially started her university studies in communication and also took some courses at the UQAM School of Fashion, where she refined her knowledge of the fashion industry. At the same time, in 1995, the self-taught designer began envisioning collections under the name JUDE. Inspired by clubbing and rave culture, her collections were even sold in the most eclectic shops in New York.

But where does this passion for clothing and fascination with punk and British culture come from? From the age of 10, Jude began to be interested in everything more marginal and different, imagining herself doing fashion shows and glimpsing Vivienne Westwood's creations in popular magazines from the 80s. Decades later, Jude still draws inspiration from England, its iconic plaid, and its talented designers.

"Making clothes was a childhood dream, a little girl's dream."

Bodybag By Jude

In 1998, Jude officially launched the BodyBag brand, an adventure that has lasted for over two decades. Accompanied by her team, she creates two seasonal collections per year, consisting of sophisticated, casual, and timeless pieces, always with a touch of originality. 

To celebrate the brand's 25 years, the creator reinvented the iconic looks of Bodybag for the Fall and Winter 2023 collection. For the occasion, Jude developed two exclusive check fabrics. Used in skirts, jackets, or dresses, the grey/black or blue/green plaid contains a small fluorescent yellow line that perfectly symbolizes the brand over the years.

Fabric selection is crucial for the designer; it is the first step even before determining the garments that will make up the collection. It is also a way to ensure superior quality so that her creations are as durable as possible and transcend seasons. In fact, the collections are designed to complement each other over the years, encouraging more thoughtful consumption.

"The collections speak to each other. If someone bought a piece in 2018, they can easily pair it with a garment from the latest collection."

The connecting element

In 2006, Jude and her team took the leap and opened a physical store in a trendy Montreal neighborhood. Over the years, the creator has witnessed numerous changes in this part of the city, but she persisted even in the most challenging times and continued to evolve her brand.

The designer believes that clothing is a focal point, allowing her to do many other things. Since her early days in the field, she has organized fashion shows to present her collections, participated in fashion festivals, and attended special events. It is also the culmination of all the work behind the development of a collection, as well as a childhood dream coming true.

"Clothing is the medium that allows me to do fashion shows, photoshoots, interior design, a boutique. It's the connecting element that allows me to tell other stories."

After 25 years of collections, fashion shows, photoshoots, and unforgettable encounters, Jude hopes that her brand continues to grow here, in Quebec, but potentially in Europe as well. Who knows, maybe one day her creations will be alongside those of her idol: Vivienne Westwood!