CJ CRAY is a Montreal-based queer-owned clothing brand which sells custom and handmade leather garments, accessories and fetishware. Pieces are bespoke and are shipped worldwide for a large and diverse clientele. This all came from the mind of the founder, local artist and designer CJ. We spoke with CJ to find out more about the clothing brand and the work that they do.
What is your business called and what does it do?
I started my brand just over a year ago. I make custom handmade leather lingerie and garments, harnesses and accessories.
What made you want to do this work?
I studied fashion design at Toronto Metropolitan University and graduated in 2021. In 3rd year of university, we did a leather jacket project and I fell in love with the medium. Leather functions so differently from any other material, you can shape and mould it, and it has such a different structure than regular fabric. I love working with it and I went on to make my final graduate collection in leather.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I want fashion and lingerie to be accessible to everyone, and a lot of brands don’t offer a wider range of sizes, most have set sizes, so doing custom sizing and custom pieces, I just want to make everyone’s leather dreams come true. I love seeing people feeling so sexy in the garments they’ve ordered from me. My pieces are always worn with confidence and I love bringing that out in people.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Dancers, burlesque dancers, performers, professional dominatrices.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
I try to do 10 or so commissions per month as well as one pop-up per month where I sell my ready-made pieces.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
My studio is located in the Plateau of Montreal at Mont Royal Station. I can be found on my Instagram @cjcray.ca and my website. I take private appointments with my clients at my studio for fittings/measurements.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
If I have custom sizing, most fetish stores have set sizes but I offer customs and can make a range of leather products, garments, accessories, and harnesses.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is having the ability to create things I envision in my mind. Seeing my designs come to life, and seeing them go from a drawing to something tangible is the most gratifying part of the job. And it is even more gratifying that I have so many loyal clients who buy my new designs when they drop.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
How unconventional my job is.
Where can we follow you?
@cjcray.ca on Instagram.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
I love @designbyracine
Another Montreal-based designer who makes very futuristic clothes and shoes. Worn many times by Lil Nas X.
