About us
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Designer Profile: Jane Ip
True Happiness is… Toronto-based designer Jane Ip has always looked for happiness in her life. The Jeanne Lottie brand began in 1985 with that philosophy in mind when Jane and her sister, Charlotte, embraced passion and creativity by launching the Jeanne Lottie handbag collection. Today, Jane takes the lead. For more than 39 years, her commitment to building the Jeanne Lottie brand has inspired a steadfast, loyal following, and Jane’s delightful designs have been recognized across Canada and abroad, standing out from the crowd. Her design approach embraces what’s different, what’s unexpected and always what’s feminine and fun to create something fresh and new. Her beloved, collectible handbags are distributed among major chains and retailers across North America, and select stores abroad. The company often collaborates creatively on special projects, designing private-label and bespoke handbags and accessories for clients in the banking, airline and cosmetics sector. Jane’s passion goes beyond design: she has been recognized both for her entrepreneurial achievements and charitable work. She is the founder of the Pink Bedroom Party, an annual fundraising event (2002 to 2007) for breast cancer research, benefiting Toronto’s world-renowned Princess Margaret Hospital. The Jeanne Lottie company continues to donate to a variety of charities. Jane is also the recipient of the Women of Great Esteem Award, 2009; and The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition for her contribution to Canadian society, 2013. During the last few years, Jane paused to rethink her company’s future. Lifelong learning is another of her passions, with art classes at AGO, OCAD and Toronto Art School. In 2023, Jane travelled to Florence, Italy, to research new ideas and completed a course in handbag design. She’s currently studying Fashion Design at George Brown College. “Always learning,” says Jane, “brings me happiness.” For 2024, Jane has created a sustainable collection for back-to-work and back-to-school, incorporating one of her abstract paintings entitled “Let it Flow,” 2023. This collection speaks of modern versatility, featuring printed artwork canvas with flipside/reversible nylon, giving the wearer two looks in one. Pieces include phone/passport holder, convertible tote/knapsack, cross body bag, yoga bag, camera bag and key/coin bag, and are RFID safe. It was important to Jane to create bags that make a style statement, are lightweight and functional, and are great for travel and everyday use. Jeanne Lottie designs are an expression of Jane’s own search for happiness and she has learned through experience and from the women she designs for that true beauty comes from pursuing one’s own true happiness. What does your true happiness look like?
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