2015 Fashion Show designer spotlight: Ardor & Telm by Jessica Lewthwaite

by Alexandra McKeown on March 21st, 2015 at 9:00 AM

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Jessica Lewthwaite has taken maternity clothing to a new level. With her inspiration stemming from her friends, she was able to create a versatile and stylish maternity line, Ardor & Telm.

Ardor & Telm allows the professional Vancouver woman to feel confident and keep her sense of style with pieces that have the ability to grow throughout her pregnancy. Lewthwaite’s goal in creating the line was the make the line’s pieces so stylish that non-expectant women would want to wear them.

Ardor & Telm will be unveiled at the 2015 Fashion Show, presented by Tamoda Apparel, on April 9 at the River Rock Casino. Thirty-eight other lines by KPU fashion design and technology students will also be showcased. For event details, visit kpu.ca/2015fashionshow, or follow @kpu_theshow on Twitter and @theshow2015 on Instagram.

Alexandra McKeown: Describe your collection.

Jessica Lewthwaite: Ardor & Telm is a stylish maternity line that is geared towards the professional Vancouver woman. She is creative and confident and doesn't want to sacrifice style during her pregnancy.

AM: What was the inspiration behind Ardor & Telm?

JL: A few of my close friends have started to have babies and I have seen them struggle to find clothes that fit their aesthetic. They were always saying: “I wish I could fit into that!” My wish would be for non-expectant women to be jealous of the clothes available in the Ardor & Telm collection.

Amelia Trofymow models a stylish line of maternity wear by designer Jessica Lewthwaite.

Maddy Adams

AM: Describe your design process.

JL: The design process for this line started by viewing what was available to the expectant women before they were expecting, taking those styles and strategically adjusting them to accommodate a growing belly. It has been very rewarding to problem solve and find creative aesthetic solutions.

AM: What have you learned at KPU?

JL: Everything. I could sew decently before my schooling started, but KPU has taught me the proper way to sew a garment, as well as drafting. In third year we take all of our learning and head into the industry to do an internship. This was the most valuable experience I have had so far. The internship allowed me to find my skills and gain hands-on knowledge. This is one of the greatest aspects of this program: you get the chance to be in the industry.

AM: What are your plans after graduation?

JL: Currently I am working at lululemon and have my fingers crossed that I can continue my education and career with them. I work with a great team of people. I can't explain the wealth of knowledge and experience they have given me. I’ve been very lucky to begin my career with them.