We Love This Ceramist’s Monochromatic Holiday Style

It’s fair to say that Quebec-based ceramist and cookbook author Trudy Crane has a favourite colour. Her affinity for shades of white and cream—often accented with other neutrals—is obvious in the organically shaped dinnerware she crafts for her brand, Lookslikewhite, in the snapshots of her home and wardrobe that she shares on social media, and even in her signature hair hue. “I’ve always gravitated toward this sort of simplicity,” she says.

Crane’s aesthetic is undeniably classic, but always has a twist to keep things fresh—an unexpected metallic detail, a sharp pleat or a hot trend that piques her interest. For the holidays, she pairs flowy suiting with a long silk top trimmed with lace, a look borrowed from fashion week street style that brings just the right amount of festive glimmer to the ensemble. Also on her radar for the season: silk scarves and chunky bangles, two staples from her days as a fashion marketing executive that are making comebacks. “I’ve kept a lot of pieces that were special to me, so I wear my own vintage,” she says.

Here, Crane dishes on the fashion trend that’s inspiring her right now and shares how she’s putting a festive spin on her go-to monochrome palette.

(Photo: Chloé Crane-Leroux)

You worked as a fashion marketing executive for many years before launching your ceramics business. When did you first become interested in fashion?

I loved clothes from a very young age. I grew up with three older sisters, and I refused to wear any hand-me-downs. Some of the best memories I have of my childhood are when my mother took me to The Bay to shop in the Jeunesse department, the store’s youth section, for back-to-school clothing. I knew even then that I would have a career in fashion. Then, I moved to Vancouver and I worked at The Bay in the same department where my mother would take me shopping. I eventually became a marketing fashion executive; I was in charge of the stores’ visual presentation and I was working closely with the buying team.  

At 52, I realized that what I really wanted was to do something with my hands; I wanted to create and design something myself. Ceramics is a very meditative process for me; I’ve been doing it on and off since high school. I had a very clear vision of a collection that I wanted to do—I wanted white dishes in organic shapes. I wanted the collection to feel completely authentic to who I am and how my home looks. So I quit my job and I started my business, Lookslikewhite.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic with a twist. I always try to add something that’s a bit different or unusual to my outfits, an interesting detail. I dress in layers. I throw on a sweater around the waist or shoulders for texture; I pair a cute sock with clogs and jeans, or add a silk scarf as a finishing touch. 

I love the simplicity of a monochrome or neutral palette. For me, it’s powerful. For some people, it’s the complete opposite—colour is their superpower. I felt that even more as my hair colour changed. My hair turned completely white when I was 40, and I liked that it really worked with my style. I embraced the monochrome look and, when I stopped dyeing my hair, I felt more like myself than I ever had. My white hair is my signature style now.

Is there a piece or an accessory that you can’t live without?

I’d have to say monochromatic suiting. I have 10 black blazers in my closet, and I have at least five white ones. I like clothing that’s a little loose, not too structured. I want to be comfortable, with a stylish twist.

Your style is classic, but it feels very current. Do you follow trends?

I watch what’s happening in fashion, but I don’t like to wear too many trends at once. That said, they are such an interesting way to evolve your style; you can take pieces that you love and incorporate a trendy element to make them feel fresh. Right now, I love how we’re seeing a lot of lace details, I find it really inspiring. 

You wear a lot of neutrals. How do you put a festive spin on it for the holiday season?

If I’m going to a party, my usual suiting isn’t enough. Over the holidays, I tend to wear pieces with lots of shine, like silk and satin, to make my monochrome outfits feel more special, or I put on red stockings for contrast. I don’t get to wear these kinds of pieces much day-to-day, so it’s an opportunity to do something fun and push the boundaries just a little bit. This year, I’ve been wearing a lace-trimmed silk top under my blazers for a more festive look.