“Style is timeless. It transcends generations - it’s enduring. It is my goal to maintain a strong sense of style in each of my creations, providing children with a sense of belonging and a way to celebrate their individuality.”
About the Designer
Joyce’s earliest memories of sewing were sitting at her mother’s side, watching her create clothes for Joyce and her siblings. Even as a child, Joyce read and studied pattern instructions, intrigued by the concept of a flat pattern becoming a garment. When she was finally old enough to sew, she had already constructed garments many times over in her mind. In high school, Joyce had the privilege of being tutored by a professional seamstress who believed, “You should be able to wear your garment inside out!” This mantra has carried over into the entire JL Designs collection.
Joyce went on to study at the School of Fashion Design on Newbury Street in Boston. There pattern-making and couture detail were her focus. After her training, Joyce worked for several years at an exclusive children’s clothing shop, where she had her own line of children’s clothing that she designed and constructed. Her scope of experience in sewing stretches from tailored three-piece men’s suits, wedding gowns and bridal parties, and women’s wear to her deepest love — children’s apparel.
Joyce is passionate about dressing children in their own unique style to create a sense of self-worth. Part of her goal is to make children feel special, using the concepts of style and quality to inspire their self-confidence all the way into adulthood.
Style & Quality
A distinctive retro style defines JL Designs’ creations. Each piece is thoughtfully designed; Joyce takes great care to combine the right style and fabric. All patterns are original, and each is drafted by hand. All fabric is carefully washed and dried, ensuring that there is no shrinkage once the garment is finished.
You will find exemplary sewing techniques throughout the entire collection: delicate pin tucks; handmade, custom-colored piping; covered buttons; impeccable topstitching; and French seams or carefully overlocked seams. Each dress and coat is fully lined.
JL Designs specializes in Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabric, used in the majority of the Dress Collection. The prints are exquisite and timeless, and the fabric quality is exceptional. The combination of Liberty of London fabrics with JL Designs creates a unique work of art to wear today and enjoy for generations to come.
The same level of quality carries over to the Coat Collection. Each wool coat and spring jacket is fully lined with beautifully paired fabrics. Liberty of London fabrics are used in most girls’ coats and jackets. The boys’ wool pea coats will surprise you with fun and unexpected prints such as pirates, trucks, and foxes. The sleeves in all coats are lined with satin to allow for ease in putting on and taking off.
An incomparable feature of JL Designs is the opportunity for the customer to work with Joyce in putting together a unique combination of outer fabric and linings. More than custom made, you truly have a one-of-a-kind creation!
100% Handmade
Each piece is exquisitely handmade by Joyce, from start to finish. Design, cutting, detailed construction, quality inspection,and packaging are all handled with precision and care by the artist herself. This creates an exceptional article of bespoke clothing for your exceptional little person.
News & Recognition
“Even Dick and Jane would feel special in a pea coat drawn from the timeless and classic lines depicted in their 1950s era children’s books. It’s all part of LeBlanc’s inspiration and goal — to make kids feel worthy”
“LeBlanc attended the School of Fashion Design in Boston, where she focused on pattern making and couture detailing. ”
