Small Quebec Shop Designs New Robes for Canada’s Supreme Court

A small shop in Saguenay, Quebec, has secured a prestigious contract to design new ceremonial robes for the Supreme Court of Canada, celebrating the court’s 150th anniversary. Led by CEO Romane LeGallou, Les Rabat-Joies has crafted bespoke attire that combines tradition with modern flair, marking a significant milestone in Canadian legal attire.

LeGallou’s journey began when she learned of the Supreme Court’s intention to update its wardrobe. After expressing interest, she quickly received a call for a pitch, leading to her company being selected for this high-profile project. “It was such pressure for the team. It happened four weeks before I gave birth for the first time!” LeGallou recalled, highlighting the emotional intensity of the undertaking.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Les Rabat-Joies specializes in bespoke legal attire, adhering to strict guidelines that dictate the color and style of robes for Canadian courts. Traditional robes are black, while collars, known as tabs, are white. The shop offers a unique twist, allowing clients to personalize their robes with a variety of designs, including playful linings and innovative tab styles. Stéphanie Gobeil, the assistant director, emphasized the company’s aim to provide clients with distinctive court wardrobes that stand out.

“We want our clients to know that if they come to us, they’re going to have a court wardrobe that rocks, that’s different from what they’ll find anywhere else,” Gobeil stated. This creative approach has attracted attention in a market traditionally dominated by larger suppliers.

Throughout the spring and summer, the team dedicated themselves to designing robes for each of the nine Supreme Court justices. Myriam Herrera, the technical lead, brought her extensive experience in fashion design, having started her career as a dressmaker in Nicaragua. Since joining Les Rabat-Joies in 2024, she has become integral to the team’s success.

LeGallou and Herrera traveled to Ottawa last year to meet with the justices, taking measurements and discussing design visions. They sourced high-quality black silk from Korea and intricately embroidered the Cormier emblem, representing the Supreme Court, into the fabric over 2,500 times. Each robe required approximately 40 hours of meticulous workmanship.

A Historic Unveiling

The new robes were unveiled on October 6, 2023, during the opening of the Supreme Court season. In his remarks, Chief Justice Richard Wagner acknowledged the significance of the update, stating, “They have a modern and simple design that echoes our commitment to openness and accessibility in a way that is distinctly Canadian.”

LeGallou views this modernization as an encouragement for other courts in Canada to embrace change. The positive reception of the new robes has also led to increased business for Les Rabat-Joies, highlighting the growing demand for personalized legal attire across the country.

As the team celebrated the successful completion of the project, Herrera marked her birthday with a toast alongside LeGallou. The occasion was filled with emotion, reflecting not only the success of the project but also Herrera’s personal achievements since moving to Canada.

In a touching gesture, Herrera presented LeGallou with a tiny replica of the justices’ attire for her nine-month-old son, Abraham, symbolizing their shared journey and the significance of the project.

Despite the triumphs, the future of Les Rabat-Joies faces challenges. The company’s growth has been hindered by recent changes in immigration policies affecting temporary foreign workers. LeGallou is determined to secure a solution that would allow her team members, originally from Nicaragua and Colombia, to remain in Canada and continue contributing to the business.

“When I hired them, I was sure I could keep them,” LeGallou expressed, underscoring her commitment to her team. As demand for custom legal attire increases, she remains hopeful about the future, envisioning a broader reach for Les Rabat-Joies while staying based in Saguenay. “Every week I see more and more orders from new cities, new provinces,” she said.

As Les Rabat-Joies continues to make its mark on the Canadian legal landscape, the success of the Supreme Court’s new robes serves as a testament to the power of creativity and dedication in the world of bespoke fashion.