June 2024
Month 20xx
Words by Akosua Yeboah & Nicole Lim
Charmaine Gooden
Jacob Marion
In her home village of Argyle Mountain, Jamaica, a young Judith Adams got her first glimpse of luxury. At just five years old, she would pause by her aunt’s pristine hilltop house, bathed in sunlight, and admire its beauty.
Unknowingly, Adams had planted the seed for her love of life’s finer things. Today, she thrives at Studio D Boutique in Toronto’s Manulife Centre, warmly greeting clients amid racks of exclusive luxury goods.
Wrapped in a leather jacket, Adams effortlessly tallies business ventures in a golden spiral notebook. Fresh off showcasing a capsule collection, she embodies the joy of a childhood dream realized.
Early Life and Career
Bright lights illuminated the streets as eight-year-old Adams, and her family arrived in Toronto on a snowy Christmas Day in 1974. Known for her friendliness and outspoken nature, she joined the social committee at Central Commerce High School. “I’ve always loved being around people, communicating, and uniting communities,” Adams recalls fondly.
Fueled by her passion for fashion, she landed her first job at a small, family-owned jean shop. Every bit of money she earned went towards the latest designer clothes, not just for herself, but also for her sisters. “Even today, my sister recalls when I surprised her with a pair of yellow designer jeans and what it meant to her,” shares Adams. For her, fashion is more than just clothes; it is self-expression through loved silhouettes and colours.
Adams’ first career foray into high fashion began at Adrienne Vittadini, an American fashion brand. As an assistant manager at their Yorkville boutique, she built a loyal clientele, eventually leading to her being scouted by Hermès.
For nine years, Adams specialized in ready-to-wear at Hermès, dedicating herself to the brand and community. “I learned the art of exceeding expectations and providing an elevated experience,” she recalls.
It was in 2006 during her tenure at Hermès that Roger Forcier, president of Chanel Canada, a prestigious luxury brand she had long admired, reached out to her. Initially hesitant, Adams declined Forcier’s job offer, fearing failure.
A year later, spurred by her husband’s encouragement and support from her two children, especially her daughter Kelsey, Adams accepted Chanel’s offer as assistant boutique director. Reflecting on her decision, she acknowledges, “I’d be hypocritical to advise my daughter to chase her dreams if I didn’t do the same.”
When asking Chanel clients who they wanted to see, the resounding response was always “Judith.” “To hear that,” Adams says, eyes brimming with emotion, “That touched me deeply.” Forcier’s endorsement, along with client feedback, reaffirmed her decision. “it’s profoundly moving when others see in you what you struggle to see in yourself,” she says.
“To me, luxury isn’t defined by price,” she says. “It’s an emotion, a way of carrying oneself through life.”
Role of Race
Navigating the, predominantly white, luxury fashion realm presented challenges for Adams. During her time at Chanel, Adams confronted doubts about her worth and place in luxury fashion. Despite systemic racism, gender disparities, salary gaps, and microaggressions, she remained steadfast.
“I never allowed others to diminish my worth,” she declares. Her message? Forge your path to success and happiness with unwavering determination. This motto inspired Adams to fulfill another dream of starting her own business.
Influence and Legacy
In 2015, Studio D Boutique, a storefront curated by Derrick Adams opened. Filled with exclusive European designers, Judith realized Studio D was her calling. Two years later, after a decade at Chanel, she joined Derrick. His expertise in designer footwear complemented her strategic mind. “I felt empowered,” she says. “Grounded in who I wanted to be and my legacy.”
Entering Studio D Boutique, the family-run shop gleams with designer offerings. Powder blue walls accent chartreuse sofas. Gold-trimmed shelves display No Name and Philippe Model Paris shoes under shop lights. Mannequins sport EMANO designs, topped with trendy berets for winter. Black and white marble counters showcase Italian-crafted footwear, elegant jewelry, and Studio D Privé handbags.
Their vision blends affordability with luxury, introducing Toronto to diverse designers without compromising quality.
The image of a little girl gazing at her aunt’s hilltop home in Jamaica still inspires Judith today. From luxury brands to lifelong connections and Studio D collaborations, Adams isn’t just a dreamer, she’s an achiever.
“To me, luxury isn’t defined by price,” she says. “It’s an emotion, a way of carrying oneself through life.”
“I never allowed others to diminish my worth,” she declares.
