A Q & A with Julie Roussy Newton, of Vancouver’s own Hijulez

Julie Roussy Newton, the Vancouver-based founder and creative director of the Hijulez clothing brand, received her first sewing machine when she was eight from her grandparents, and she has been creating things ever since. “In high school, I was obsessed with historical embroidery and the techniques used by early 20th-century couturiers,” she says.

Her interest led to embroidery courses at Maison Lesage in Paris. “After that experience, I realized I wanted to better understand garment construction so I could design pieces that truly complemented my embroidery. That’s when I decided to study fashion design at Polimoda in Florence before coming back to Vancouver to put everything I’d learned into practice.”

In Italy, Roussy Newton noticed while thrifting in vintage stores that high-quality clothing was made of cotton, linen, or silk. She thought to herself, How can I bring this into what I’m creating? The answer was using all natural fibres, designed with longevity in mind and a fit that softens with wear. She launched Hijulez in 2016.

Here, we ask Roussy Newton a few questions about how to dress well with minimal effort, her creative process, and more.

What do you think is the key to looking effortlessly put together?

For me, it’s all about authenticity and staying true to your personal style. I love mixing textures into my outfits to add depth and personality, especially when I’m going for a monochromatic look. I also believe natural fibres makes a huge difference. When someone’s dressed in breathable materials like cotton or linen, and they feel good in what they’re wearing, that comfort radiates. You can really feel their energy shine through.

What makes your current collection special?

This is the first collection that truly feels like it captures the spirit of Hijulez, not just emotionally, but visually and physically. It represents years of exploration, and now people can finally see the essence of what we’ve been working toward.

What makes it even more special is the way people have connected with it. It’s been a real turning point in helping me understand the kinds of pieces I want to create and what truly resonates with our community.

We began building this collection around the success of our Museum Skirt from last year. That piece became the foundation of the collection, and it blossomed from there. It was a fun and inspiring starting point that helped us shape a whole world around the idea of effortless, elevated comfort. It’s guided us in exploring how to continue making pieces that feel refined yet livable, the kind of pieces our customers will love and cherish for years to come.

Can you speak about the process of crafting your pieces?

My process usually starts from something I’m craving in my own closet. The Museum Skirt, for example, came from a time when I was living in sweatpants and wanted something just as comfortable, but didn’t make me look like I was in my PJs. I love using real-life problems, mine or my loved ones’, as creative prompts for design solutions.

I tend to design with specific moments or uses in mind, so that every piece has a clear purpose. My process often begins with a sketch, but once I start draping or sewing, the fabric often takes on a direction of its own. I pull inspiration from nature, and a lot of what I see in my everyday walks with my dog, Fig, especially for textures and textiles.

Being able to design our pieces in-house, and having our manufacturing team right here in East Vancouver, brings me so much joy. It gives me the space to experiment and make one-of-a-kind pieces that express what I’m feeling. Even if some designs aren’t scalable, they’re still so rewarding to create.

Where did your love for fashion start?

It started with my grandmother’s hat collection. As a kid, I’d play dress-up with her vintage hats and costume jewellery, and that really sparked a love for the drama of it all. A few years later, once I started learning how to make clothing, that early curiosity snowballed into an adoration, and here we are, over 20 years later.

What’s your favourite part of being the founder and designer of your own brand?

I love being able to set the pace. It gives me the freedom to slow down when things feel rushed and to be intentional about what we create and why. Having the ability to make value-based decisions, for the well-being of our team, our customers, and the environment, is something I take really seriously. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such a thoughtful and inspiring team of women.

Also, not going to lie, one of the perks is being able to steal the samples. My closet is full of every piece we’ve ever made, in almost every colour.

What’s it like being a business owner in Vancouver, and Canada?

Vancouver is a relatively small city, so the creative community is very connected. You get to know other business owners in your field, and it’s been amazing to learn from them and build friendships. I also get to open up our studio to other artists and creators, which is one of my favourite parts about the space.
I think Vancouver is a great place to start a business. It’s big enough for opportunity but small enough to feel seen and form meaningful connections. There’s a strong sense of community and support here that makes building something feel really special.

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