Jessica Stam: From Model to Designer
She's walked every runway and inspired Marc Jacobs to name a bag after her. Now, the model casts her sights on the design world with a collection for Rachel Roy. PLUS: Jessica's Marie Claire Photo Shoot
There's no way to prepare for the shock of seeing Jessica Stam in person. Her trademark blue eyes are so electric that had she been alive during the Salem witch trials, she most certainly would've burned at the stake. World-famous designers and photographers alike have fallen under her spell. Yet, despite the 24-year-old's supermodel status, Stam is just a down-home girl from a farm in Kincardine, Ontario, the lone female among six rowdy brothers. "We had pigs, cows, and chickens—I hadn't seen a fashion magazine until I started modeling," she laughs. But after being discovered at 15 in a Tim Hortons coffee shop, she couldn't get enough of them. "I was really curious about what the industry was about," she says. "So I started flipping through fashion magazines to find out." Between studying clothes in print and wearing them on the runway, it was only a matter of time before the model would try her hand at design.
In 2008, she teamed up with Repetto shoes to create a signature flat and consulted Rag & Bone on its spring 2010 collection. Both projects were stepping stones to Stam's latest undertaking: five wardrobe essentials created with Rachel Roy for the designer's more affordable RACHEL Rachel Roy line at Macy's. Debuting this month, the collection captures the essence of a cool downtown girl. A chain-strap navy bucket bag and cozy gingham knit cardigan showcase the "nautical meets distressed military" vibe Stam was aiming for. "I had full creative control," she says. "But Rachel really stressed that whatever I made should be something I'd want to see my friends in." Since she has nearly 100,000 (and counting) followers on Twitter, something tells us Stam's close friends won't be the only ones racing to snag her designs. Could this be the launching pad for her own label? "No comment," she answers coyly. We'll go ahead and get our hopes up.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Kandi Burruss Is Betting Big on Broadway
With the runaway success of 'Othello,' the former Bravo star has proven her brand extends far beyond Bravo. And her legacy may just be transforming the stage.
By Michael Cuby
-
Kaia Gerber Joins the On Sneaker Army
Zendaya would be proud.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
I’m Choosing These Retro Sneakers Over Every Other Shoe Trend
Footwear designers are on a vintage kick, and I'm all for it.
By Emma Childs
-
Florence Pugh Is the Lingerie Dressing Trend's Poster Girl in a See-Through Stella McCartney Mini Dress
She loves a see-through look.
By Lauren Tappan
-
Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber Match in Little Black Dresses With Individual Twists
The two looked nearly identical while attending the Broadway premiere of ‘Good Night, and Good Luck.’
By Lauren Tappan
-
Victorian-Era Perfume Bottle Necklaces Will Be Your New Favorite Conversation Starter
You'll look just as great as you smell.
By Emma Childs
-
Marie Claire Editors Are Obsessed With This Cult-Favorite Sale
SSENSE has everything a fashion enthusiast could ever want.
By Lauren Tappan
-
Spring 2025's Candy-Coated Shoe Color Trends Prove Neutrals Are Overrated
Bold pastels and sugar-sweet hues promise to overtake your boring shoe lineup.
By Lauren Tappan
-
Fashion’s Betting the Boxing Sneaker Will Be the Knockout Shoe Trend of 2025
Let's get ready to rumble.
By Emma Childs
-
Issa Rae Is Fueling Her Mogul Era With More Me Time
The key to her success lies in self-care.
By Lauren Tappan