We had the chance to chat with Jesse Mathers about Kelowna’s Lost Together, House of Espy, sustainability, and life as a mom and creative director.

Happening: How does sustainability play into the vision for Lost Together and House Of Espy? 

Jesse: Sustainability has always been at the core of Lost Together. We see the damage that fast fashion causes on a daily basis and we want to help curb that by offering a thoughtfully curated collection of second-hand clothing and accessories to our clientele. We want to encourage those who may not be familiar with secondhand shopping to try something new and shift their spending habits to something more environmentally friendly. We often get asked by newcomers if our selection is used, they are quite often surprised when we say yes! Teaching new habits is part of the fun. Secondhand or thrift shopping doesn’t need to be scary and it doesn’t have the stigma it once had attached to it anymore. 

Happening: What’s the concept and purpose around House Of Espy?

Jesse: House of Espy is an all-occasion rental shop. We want people to come in to rent an outfit for their wine tours, for their birthdays and for their weddings. We want to give really special dresses more than one time to shine. So often people will invest so much into a dress they wear once for an occasion, or post on social and get rid of it, or it sits in their closet for however long. This way we can curate a whole shop dedicated to those special events, at a much smaller price tag. It gives people a chance to wear something they may never buy for themselves. 

Happening: As the Creative Director of these two busy businesses and a new mom, how are you finding balance? 

Jesse: Hard! No joke. I’ve always been very career driven and when I stepped back for my maternity leave last year it was really hard for me to relax and switch the focus primarily to home. I have so many hands in the two businesses and feel out of touch if I’m not constantly in it at all times. It’s taken a great team to make me realize it’s okay to delegate and take time for myself and my family. My husband has also been a key player in the balance. He understands that a creative role isn’t a 9-5 and I’m constantly bringing work home, his patience is astounding. 

Happening: As a curator and stylist, tell us about your approach to vintage. 

Jesse: I’ve always been a big thrifter, vintage lover, and collector. I really made a go of it in 2010 when I started collecting and selling on Etsy. I would shop at the local thrifts and find Chanel skirts or Fendi purses and flip them online - wish I kept my collection, the me today would love it! Vintage has always been the inspiration for so many brands, they want to recreate the originals. I think it’s important to know the trends, and the classics, and use that as a compass when shopping or buying. Now it’s getting tougher to find true vintage, as most thrifters know, the shops are full of fast fashion with the tags still on. It takes more time, and more patience to find the good stuff now. I love finding Estate Sales and checking garage sales, local charity shops etc. 

Happening: What are your favourite brands? 

Jesse: Jil Sander, Courrèges, Acne, Gil Rodriguez, GANNI, Miista, The Row, Jacquemus, Boheme Goods, Orseund Iris 

Happening: What can we expect from Lost Together and House of Espy in the future?

Expanding internationally and growing our online presence. More collaborations within the community, hosting more pop-ups and events.

Happening: Where else do you like to shop in the Okanagan?

Jesse: I love a Farmer’s Market morning in the Summer. Besides that - Ad Hoc, the Enderby Flea Market, Casa Modelo, Zangbell and Gill.

Happening: Where could we find you on a Friday night, and what are you drinking? 

Jesse: People watching on a patio with a Diet Coke - sometimes an espresso martini... 

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