In the wardrobe with: Claudia Tétreault-Percy
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Claudia Tétreault-Percy radiates style—which is no surprise considering her background.
Claudia studied fashion marketing at LaSalle College Montréal and curates The CTP Studio, an online community and second-hand shopping destination. She is also the manager of Goodbyes Ngunnawal, which opened here in Canberra in November 2021.
Through her outfits, she embodies a character: Parisienne flight attendant, murderous heiress, ’80s Versace campaign. Each look is bold, considered, and playful.
Let’s delve into her wardrobe.
Emma: How would you describe your style?
Claudia: As of late, versatile! I think my style has evolved a lot over the years. Style is so closely tied to identity for me, so the more that I grow and change, my wardrobe follows suit.
As a queer woman who is more assertive about that part of my identity these days, I’ve seen it translate to my style.
E: What does style and getting dressed mean to you?
C: Is everything too broad of an answer?! I find a lot of joy in getting dressed. I’ve always wanted to be an artist of sorts and I get to be super creative and artistic through the art of dressing.
I actually have dreams about outfits that I’d like to try, colour combinations that are new to me or pieces that deserve more time out in the spotlight. Getting dressed for me often means planning an outfit in advance but sometimes I ask my Instagram community to submit a theme.
Improvising a look and pulling it off on the day often results in some of my best looks.
E: What is your current favourite piece and why?
C: I have recently been scouring second-hand stores for large, masculine blazers. I love the shoulder pads, the slightly longer length, and the power statement they give off.
I recently purchased an amazing vintage wool DKNY masculine blazer that I know will live on in my wardrobe for years to come. Similarly, I’ve also found some second-hand men’s button-up shirts that feel effortless—I usually layer them with a black lace bra underneath to give a nuanced balance of masculine/feminine energy to the look.
E: What outfit or look have you been returning to lately?
C: In the summer, I love a cropped blouse or tee with a vintage high waisted silk or crepe skirt. It feels really easy to put together, especially when the accessories do all the work!
I have a few jewellery boxes and drawers full of vintage costume jewellery and I usually find that’s what brings everything together.
E: Tell us about your wardrobe, what does it look like, how is it arranged?
C: I am extremely lucky to have a spare room in our sharehouse that my best friend and I use as a walk-in wardrobe. I tend to arrange all my pieces by colour, because colour is really emotional when it comes to putting together a look.
I have a special shelf in my bedroom wardrobe for all my tiny bags (it’s a thing!) and a shelf for my more high-end handbags. I also have one whole side of the wardrobe dedicated to blazers—they have become the finishing touch to many of my looks over the last few years.
It’s funny, even though I work in a store all day long, I spend lots of time visually merchandising my own pieces at home! I like making my wardrobe look shoppable; you can see everything, you have a clearer idea of where everything is and then it’s much easier to put an outfit together.
E: Where do you most like to shop or look for clothes that are new to you?
C: New to you is a perfect way to put it! I would say 90% of my wardrobe is second-hand, and has been for quite some time. I love many of the Vinnies, Salvos and Anglicare stores in Canberra.
Second-hand shopping hasn’t always been mainstream and making it more desirable to shop pre-loved rather than buying things new is something that propels me through my work in the fashion industry. I, of course, shop at Goodbyes here in Canberra, and in Melbourne when I can—the quality of the consignment pieces we sell hold such amazing value.
I also love the vintage and second-hand spots in Fyshwick—Dirty Janes, Down Memory Lane and DOS Emporium. I can’t say I shop second-hand online very much, I love the atmosphere and the feeling of finding a special piece in person.
E: How does sustainability and ethics factor into the way you dress?
C: It’s the most important thing about the way I dress. I studied fashion marketing back in 2015, and the second-hand conversation was only just starting. I had a lot to learn about why fast fashion is a major issue in this industry and I’m still learning every day. From fair labour rights for garment workers, to reducing chemical and dye pollution and textile waste to landfill, we all have a part to play.
Whether we are “into” fashion or not, we all wear clothes and choosing where we spend our money has become increasingly important. By educating ourselves on these issues, we can become smarter shoppers who can actively and positively contribute to a more circular fashion economy.
E: What are you looking for in your next piece or purchase?
C: As we’re heading into autumn soon, I’ve been thinking about a big, fluffy wool coat in a vibrant colour. I’ve also recently been delving more into the world of sneakers—and I have to say, there are some really cool ones out there (that are also comfortable for a person on the go like me).
And last but not least I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for Eliza Faulkner’s next collection. She’s a Canadian designer I absolutely adore, and I can’t wait to see her next creations.
Follow Claudia on Instagram @thectpstudio and shop via her website thectpstudio.com
