The interviewer becomes the interviewee: Jeanne Beker at yesterday's preview of Edit
Last week, we wrote aboutThe Bay’s new budget-friendly women’s clothing line, Moon, an assortment of inexpensive basics (a turtleneck is $19) in mostly black and grey. Now, the grande dame of department stores is debuting a small collection of slightly more expensive women’s clothes backed by arguably the most powerful woman in Canadian fashion: Jeanne Beker. We say “backed” because Beker didn’t design the clothes (check them out in our slide show). Instead, she worked with a Montreal manufacturer, selecting styles and fabrics, and suggesting changes to create 25 pieces for women Beker says don’t have time to shop. The name of the line: Edit.
Like Moon, the clothes—stylish basics aimed at women in their 30s, 40s and 50s—are mostly in black and grey, with a few hits of white, camel and red. There’s the classic Beker black dress ($150), a boyfriend jacket with ruched sleeves ($150), a cape-like camel jacket ($195), wide-leg dress pants ($79) and, somewhat surprisingly, a pair of jeggings ($85).
It’s not Beker’s first foray into making clothes rather than reporting on them: she had a short-lived travel line at Eaton’s before it was bought out by Sears, and for a time lent her expertise to a shapewear line. When Bonnie Brooks took over The Bay, the two started discussing the possibility of working together. Turns out that Brooks and Beker are old friends—it was Brooks who introduced Beker as a columnist in Flare magazine while she was editor.
Launching at 65 stores in September, Edit will come out with new looks every month. Don’t look for the clothes at Toronto fashion week, though. Beker doesn’t think that every line is runway worthy. Amen.
With every new business, you want to create a brand and hopefully have a loyal group follow. Showcase these clothes on professional models and not on Jeanne Beker. This slide show was not appealing, in addition I am not entirely sold on it. Sorry Jeanne, you may be the most powerful woman in Canadian fashion, but you are definitely not a model. If you are trying to appeal to women over 40+, you should have hired beautiful women, just take a look at the MORE magazine. Now, they use beautiful women over 40-years of age to showcase fashion.
I am most definitely in agreement. I don’t find this line appealing at all… Not sure if it is the chosen model (Jeanne), or the clothing itself. This line is supposed to appeal to women in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s? I’m sorry, but 30-what?
I am approaching my 33rd year in life and I would never wear any of these garments, far less look twice at them. My tastes are for the most part classic and tailored with the occasional fun fashion piece to mix things up. I do not blindly follow trends for the sake of following trends, I like to dress to suit my body and frame (regardless of whether skinny jeans are the “it silhouette”). Perhaps the basic black dress in this line may be fine, but even that is a tad boring and matronly (for me anyway). I passed this along to my 40 year-old sister and my very fashionable 58 year-old mother and neither are fussed or interested.
I love the idea that yet another clothing line has come out with what they deem as the “basics” to make dressing easier for women, but these basics simply don’t appeal to me or the ladies in my family. Sorry.
OWCH that’s harsh. Pay your dues ladies, Jeannie is the queen, there will be no snubbing her least of all by you. Your comments are cruel and reaffirming arrogant assumptions that clothes are best seen on skinny teenage models or even sickly skinny ladies in MORE mag. Easy to wear, matching and affordable outfits that will let you get on with your morning so that you don’t have to stand before your closet and sob.. those are assets to the fashion world. Edit is a gift.
the line may be ok but whomever made the decision to use Jeannie the “face” of the line made a HUGE mistake. Im sorry but the shots make Jeannie look rediculous. WOW
I like Jeannie in the role of interviewer not fashion model. This line wasn’t very appealing nor different from other lines. IT WAS BORING! The Bay continues to be one of my favourite places to shop but I would definiety not buy this particular line. They(The Bay)has a huge selection of fabulous fashion that is much more appealing.
These clothes are boring and have no appeal whatsoever. Although I personally do not care for Ms. Beker, I do feel that she is fine as a model for this line (however, she is not the most attractive woman out there). She is age appropriate and not skinny, but these clothes are simply just plain dull.
The footwear has me in hysterics. I cannot imagine arriving at our conservative office wearing 6″ stiletto heels/boots. I love the look — just wish I had more appropo outings to wear such heels!
its about time that the Bay comes down to earth and offers clothes that most of us would be willing to buy based on good design, quality and reasonable price! this is were the volume and profit lies. going too far upscale has not been very profitable for the Bay. American companies like Target that will compete for similar shoppers are comming to Canada. it would be sad to see the demise of the Bay.
Jeanne, your fifteen minutes are up.
These are shapeless, frumpy clothes for old women with “problem areas”. I am a professional woman in my 30’s and would not be caught dead in any of these outfits. Come on Bay! I thought you were trying to rebrand your image with more stylish, higher-end lines. This is more of the same “blah” styles you always carried.
Honestly I’m 31 and I definitely appreicate the classic black dress and how all the pieces are very felxible. I just love how critical we are of our homegrown talent.
Jeanne, modeling is not for you. You are an excellent interviewer, so stick with that. The clothes are just ‘blah’ and makes me depressed thinking that this is what I have to look forward to during dark winter months. Come on Bay; we need a bit more excitement than this.
Did everyone miss the concept…”EDIT” means that you can take what you want from this basic line and add or subtract whatever you like to make it your own. Do you dress to replicate the pages in Vogue? Jeanne’s line is wearable, mixable and with the right accessories a great starter kit.
Yes, the shoes would be the first to go… breaking my ankle was not fun the last time I wore shoes that high…I am in my early 40’s…not dead yet either. However, they are just something to “edit” out.
Happy editing and what you do not care to wear…just leave it on the change room floor…;)
There is something decidedly 1980’s about this line – and not in a good way. Who is there right mind is going to buy this? Jeanne is a terrible choice for a model – professional models exist for a reason – most of them at least look human! A spokesmodel that’s undergone major plastic surgery in her 50-60’s should not be marketing clothes aimed for 30 somethings.
Whatever happened to the Bay bringing in Topshop?
the line is just ok nothing really to write home about! But here is my beef, women after a certain age should no longer be wearing BLACK it is not a flattering colour to be seen in, infact it drains all colour from ones face and makes you look frumpy dumpy and lumpy, if anyone had seen the winter Olympics interview that Jeannie had done on the Olympic fashions where she was wearing a red jacket, you could tell how amazing youthfull and vivacious she looked but the minute she goes back to black she looks older and a little haggared looking if your not convined try a test at home in regular sunlight put on a black sweater and take a good look at yourself then switch to a colour that you seem to get the most compliments in you will notice a huge difference COLOUR makes you look fantastic, as a designer I feel or I know that after 40 keep black that hell out of your closet it is not our friend!!!! (except for funerals, even then try navy!)
WHERES THE COLOR??? IS BLACK AND WHITE ALL YOU HAVE?
I don’t get some of these comments – I think it’s a great line and I have already bought several pieces to mix in with my mostly designer clothing!
It’s sleek, fashion forward and classy, not to mention affordable. Her jeans are a great fit and certainly flattering on me, proving to me that some thought went into the cut and style. They are the only skinny jeans that I have ever looked good in.
I just don’t get all the critical comments. I think many women will love what Jeanne has done, let the sales be the litmus test.
Jeanne is not classically beautiful, but she is a beautiful and well put together women. She has her own look and is very striking.
I think she looks fantastic in the clothes!
Dumpy and frumpy? Give me a break! She looks amazing!
She has attitude and shows that real women can pull it off – we should be applauding her and not taking such cheap shots.
Jeanne, if you read this, I think you’re fabulous.
Jeanne, you nailed it girl……your line of clothes are awesome. I live in Vancouver and was really looking forward to seeing your new line and I have to say, the fit, the comfort and the price are incredible. I bought 4 pieces.
Thank you for establishing a line of clothes for real woman.
Don’t listen the negative comments from people…..they are just jelous they don’t look as fabulous as you.
I’m looking forward to any additions to the line.
i love the look of this line.
a great set of basics to dress up or down. i’m a 30something professional and i work in a fairly fashionable environment. i can definitely see how these pieces could be worked into my wardrobe.
now if only i could also afford the louboutins… :)
I am a 57 year old who loves Jeanne’s clothing. I bought two pairs of the slim jean pants, and a long sweater. The are comfortable stylish and I am not a model but not heavy either. Way to go. Keep up the good designs
Went to the Bay and I must say that this line is utterly dissapointing. The fabrics are awful, felt like Walmart brand. I wonder is Jeanine actually felt the clothing. I get better made pieces in Cassis or Banana Republic. So dissapointing since Ms. Beker has been an inspiration to Canadian women. The clothes look good but I dare you to go and try them on. Designs are good but quality sucks.
The “Edit” clothing line is too basic. Nothing new to what already exists is offered. While Jeanne Beker is good at interviewing, she is painfully unattractive and this actually detracts from the clothes in photos. Using Ms. Beker as model was a glaring marketing error – as women look to clothing to help improve their appearance, not the reverse, which is the end result of Ms. Beker in the photos.
The intent here is not to be rude, however there are realities in marketing and The Bay using Jeanne Beker as the model was big a mistake. Who wants to emmulate that rather not-so-pretty look?
WOOOOOH!! why all the NEGATIVE comments!! Why the heck SHOULDN’T she model her own clothes?!! SHE designed them. I don’t think she trying to be a model……I think she’s just trying to show us what us ‘regular’ gals would look like. (Besides, if I designed my own line of clothes, I’d be strutting it on the internet as well!) And if anybody had half a brain you’d see that these pieces are ‘staple’ pieces in our wardrobe that we can mix and match with our existing clothing and accessories. GREAT JOB, WELL DONE if you ask me. And furthermore, darned fantastic prices!! I DO intend on purchasing many of these staple pieces. Thanks Jeanne, and just a little advice…….being you’ve been reporting fashion to us for SO long and have IMPECCABLE taste, you might want to think about designing an accessories line too. Bet you’d be good at that!!
Jeanne Beker did NOT design the Edit line (fact). She worked “closely”‘ with the manufacturers instead. She edited a curated collection of basic clothing (designed by others) and received compensation for it. Therefore, she is NOT modeling “her” clothes.
The Bay is attempting to create a brand using Ms. Beker’s fashion reporting experience as a springboard. Again, using her as a model detracts from the clothing – especially as she is not the designer.
I heard about this line & have not seen it yet but plan to check it out soon. As some of the others have mentioned above, these are staple items. That’s why they’re mostly black & white so that you can mix & match with as many pieces as possible! And as for Jeanne being the model, she is beautiful in her own unique way. And she looks like a woman you would see in every day life. Not those ethereal stick thin models on which everything looks amazing. Only about 3% of the world’s population looks like that. It’s time we got used to seeing real people model clothing that real people would wear. Reminds me of those Reitman’s commercials…would we really wear those outrageous haute couture outfits on a night out watching the stars, going boating, or the amusement park? Not me!
I am appalled at the tone and comtent of most of these comments- they are uncalled-for and bullying. It feels like the Grade 7 mean girls are keeping the visciousness going after they leave school.
I also find them sexist, because I can’t imagine them being directed at a male designer, no matter how rediculous their cloths are – and they often are. Beker’s line looks pretty classic and easy to wear for any woman; and a relief from the hyper-revealing and cheesy clothes I see woem wearing.
As for the model- Jeanne is just fine, she’s a person, not a manikin. Stop being so arrogant.
I was at The Bay yesterday and saw a mannequin with these awesome clothes. I was looking for some black pants/legging type and found them. Thank you so much Jeanne Beker they are fabulous. I love all your clothes and could only dream of owning them. I am loving my leggings. I am 49 and have a terrible time finding fashionable great looking clothes that are geared for my age. You are it. Ignore people’s rude comments about you as a model. They are only jealous. You look fabulous. I would love to be a model for you, sorry I have the same hair cut, it is just so great! Eveything about your clothing line is fabulous for the more mature woman, I love love love it. Women get out there and try it on, it is great quality and looks awesome on you. I am so glad you have modelled the clothing, we don’t need to see 18 year olds modelling clothes geared for middle aged women. Thank you Thank you Thank you, my dream come true would be to meet this fabulous wonderful designer (Jeanne Beker), I have finally found something in the stores I would like to buy. My hat goes off to you, you are my fashion idol, and women wake up and try it on, you will love it.
I am not one to comment on blogs on the internet but I was so appalled when reading some of the malicious attacks on Jeanne Beker and her new line Edit. I am a fifty four year fashion forward woman who has followed Jeanne and her career over the years. When Jeanne makes clothing recommendations, I listen. While I haven’t been to the Bay yet to see these pieces personally, from what I see she has nailed it. After all, the name Edit speaks for itself. These pieces can work in everyone’s wardrobe. It is my opinion that many women have no clue how to pull themselves together and Jeanne has offered some great basic tools.
Please ladies, stick with constructive comments . Jeanne is just great as the model, she still has a great figure, she is a real woman and black still looks amazing on women our age. No wonder women have such self esteem issues when we are so critical of our own. You go Jeanne!!
Jeanne Beker is a mature woman who has had lyposuction. Her hips and butt area are disproportionately thin/altered to her upper body. She has all the tell-tale signs of this procedure. While this is her business, as far as her being projected as a “real” woman model – she is not. Sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but call a spade, a spade. In fairness, judge the clothing line separately from the unflattering model.
The “apparent” message that Jeanne Beker is attempting to convey to the age group likely to pay for her clothing line, is very different from the one conveyed by her (and other judges) to young women on Canada’s Next Top Model show. The “standards” for the participating models are unnatural and demeaning. A former contest winner Andrea Muizelaar spoke about how dangerously unhealthy her weight was and the shallow criticism (regularly reducing teens to tears) she had to endure to “make it”.
Ms. Beker is part of the machinery that promotes mixed messages for impressionable young women. That show’s influence can be very negative to “average” females. Now Ms. Beker claims to be the “average” woman in her Edit clothes. Her message is not consistent and appears to drift in the direction of whatever is most $lucrative$. If modeling by its nature is so restrictive, Ms. Beker should apply the same standards to herself and leave it to the professionals.
I checked out the Edit line at the Bay & I must say I’m disappointed. The cuts & design of the clothes are fine. But the materials look cheap & not worth it for the price. I can find better looking clothes for cheaper at Mexx & Banana Republic!
I saw you on t.v. the other night wearing a hudson bay blanket hooded toggle coat with blanket stitching . It was a jacket with a bit of swing to it. It was fabulous! Is this part of your collection, or part of the Bay’s collection, or was it simply a one off. I loved this coat, So Canadian.
Hi, I was at the Bay for Jeanne Beker’s Edit launch, I sat right in the front row. What a dynamic bundle of energy she is. I took in every word from these fashion icon, she is amazing. I told her that she has been an inspiration to me and that I have followed her career since the very beginning when she was interviewing “rock stars”. You see I have been sick for 3 years now and my friend found out about this and took me and I was real moved that not only did Jeanne again inspire me to keep going with my passion for fashion. She inspired me to keep going in my passion for life. She is real and I adore her and by the way I got a hug.
I will never forget the day I met my fashion icon Jeanne Beker.
Rose Stewart
Ouch! For the record, I just came back from two weeks in Paris where I wore Jeanne’s blazer with pants or a pencil skirt every day. And guess what. I felt smart and with it. I just had to add a scarf or other accessories and I was done. I couldn’t believe how many people stopped and asked me for directions thinking I was a local! These are great, wearable clothes.
As a up and coming designer, I can appreciate what Jeanne Beker is doing for Canadian fashion. How many times as women do we go to a major department store and “can’t find a thing”. Well Ms. Beker brings that to us. Her designs and choices of fabrics are certainly wardrobe building worthy. I commend Ms. Beker for keeping it real, classic, timeless… isn’t that how we want to dress. Congrats to you Ms. Beker… I love my new Edit cape and I wear it proud.
http://www.lauradreger.com
The pieces shown are good basic must have pieces! Its hard to find a well fitting little black work dress, a decent white shirt, or pencil skirt. Of course worn alone, these pieces look boring but they can be matched with higher-end, colorful and trendy clothing to bring your look up-to-date. Matching them with a great pair of heels or purse creates the perfect work ensemble!
I do agree that using Jeanne as the model was a huge faux pas though..ugh.
I think the clothing line is a nice change. I am near 50 and find shopping for unique clothing that not every teenage is wearing refreshing…however the Bay does not provide online shopping….where else can one buy this line of Jeanne Becker’s Clothing?
Wow! Black and white. How original. And yes, shouldn’t an “attractive” model be used – or at least not one that’s been through the ringer? What a puss!
I loved the clothes so much when I tried them on, how they made me feel in them . people call them boring I don’t they work for me and i am in the marketing business . My husband purchased a few pieces for me for Christmas and I am tickled pink I love them. It’s the Design Business people not everything is for everyone , fashion is a personal taste nobody wants to look like the girl standing next to them you want a few pieces of different things and create a Signature Look that’s what I do anyways . way to go Jeanne and the Bay for supporting you.
Jeanne
I love your clothes line. I just bought some pieces at The Bay in London, Ontario. I am in my early sixties and still fit into a size 10. I cannot ever find clothes that are both soficated and age appropriate. Your clothing cuts fit me and I just wanted to let you know to continue….I love them! Thank you Jeanne…..Rita
Dear Jeanne
I just returned again with a purchase of your line of clothing. Your dresses, skirts, pants, sweaters, tops are fabulous! I bought them all. The material, the cut of your clothes are beautiful. I am a professional lady with good taste and I can tell you your clothing is not only hangs beautifully but its sofisticated and elegant. KEEP UP YOUR CLOTHING LINE. Don’t listen to the negatives. I buy very high end clothes and know a good line when I see it. Thank you again. Rita
i just love the line of clothing you have at the Bay called Edit it is just what I have been looking for keep it coming i look forward to your next grouping thank you
“skinny” jeans in plus size? Really Jeanne, have you never watched “What Not To Wear”? That misstep put me off checking out anything else offered in the plus size. What were you thinking?
WOAH WOAH WOAH, PEOPLE! Why is everyone hatin’ on Jeanne here? A few yrs ago when her original line of clothing came out I bought this really great cowl neck top before it became the thing, that was of great quality and can be worn with jeans or a nice skirt and can be pulled off as elegant and sexy. That line was more expensive but worth it. I haven’t checked out EDIT yet but in case you people did not read the entire article, the colours of this line are sparse so if black, white, grey are not your thing don’t go buying this stuff! And whoever it was that said it’s boring and needs to be more fun, did you catch the part that this line is aimed at women into their 40s and 50s? Nothing could be more ridiculous than a woman of those decades romping around in H&M style clothing–get real people! And I don’t see what it wrong with having Jeanne model her clothes, what’s the big deal? You’re probably the same people who get irritated seeing stick-thin models everywhere! I have seen Ms Beker in person at restuarants and think she’s a great-looking woman, what is wrong with you people? Anyway I look forward to checking out EDIT, it seems classic enough and can complement other pieces in one’s wardrobe–I don’t know about you people but I personally don’t stick to ONE brand or line of clothing..now THAT is boring! You people should be supporting local efforts, why stop with the locally-produced food?? Enough of your pseudo concern (assuming you’re among the haters, which I am guessing you are) and be happy CDNs have an option. I’m so tired of the jacked-up prices of US and Euro brands in Canada, we are such suckers when it comes to shopping!
Please what happens to plus size womans clothing like myself, why does Montreal only make skinny clothes,and cater to the younger generations, what about us mothers,
and grandmothers who are not size 5 or 12 for that matter,
look at the Dove Ladies they are all beautiful. In the United States,Target is one of the most popoular, reasonable outlets, and I cant wait for them to come here, I’ll shop there until I drop.
Thank you Jeanne Beker for not taking ‘ALL WOMAN’ into your
clothing line, incidently I saw your line at the bay and it is for young, skinny, young ladies.
However, thanks to ‘Addition Elle’in Montreal (who have 2 huge shops,) I can look just as beautiful as a skinny person.
Sincerely,
Rhona Lawrence
The line is OK,you make what you want (accessories) of it, and I love high heels. I am a 52 year old from Montreal, and the fact that Mrs. Beker is the model for her clothes realy please me. Can we be glad for once that it is not a 17 year hold who weighs 80 pounds.
I think Jeanne looks fabulous. She a designer now and has been Fashion File’s one and only fashion reporter. I LOVE that show. It is well done. Who better to wear her clothes first but her. A dream through I’m sure. Love your denim chanel like jacket
Finally, a pair of slim leg jeans that have a nice, long rise. Jeanne Beker has saved the day! I have a very difficult time finding pants with a rise long enough for my body type. Everything out there stops well below my belly button and not flattering on me at 58 years old. I bought three pair of your pants and love them all. Thanks Jeanne for thinking of us women who are shaped like real women. Love you and love the clothing line.
I agree, the line is certainly boring. I did like the black cords though, the fit was good from hips to waist and covered up that little tummy bulge some of us get in our 40s. I’m a reasonable weight for my height and the size 2 was still a little big. If they made a 0 size (which would really be a size 6) I would have purchased the pant.
Jeanne Beker is the BEST!
Jeanne, fianally a person who thinks about the plus sizes with some style, thank you, thank you. For some time now
I thought I might have to have my clothes made for me but I now have a choice. Love it.
Just bought the chocolate brown shearling jacket, not shown above, which is really too bad because it’s lovely. It’s faux (which is totally fine with me), really well cut, very flattering and 40% off as I write this! Couldn’t do full price but glad I waited. Briefly scanned the other pieces but ruled them out as too old for me (and I’m 53!) – as my mom used to say… “I’m too young to shop here!” I agree with the reviewer above about colour but, for many, “basics” evokes a limited pallet and this collection is certainly basic.
Purchased your black jeans. Love the jeans but, supposedly, one of the fashion sins that is gushed about is wearing black that is faded or washed out and the color on these jeans fades horribly even when cared for. They are garbage to me now. I can’t tell you how very disappointing this is. Not impressed. How could your line have made this basic misstep!?