Romaine LeGallou was informed about the 150th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada and decided it was time for a wardrobe upgrade. Subsequently, things progressed swiftly. She showed interest, received a call for a pitch, and her company was selected. The actual work commenced, creating immense pressure for the team, especially given that it coincided with LeGallou’s first pregnancy.
As the CEO of Les Rabat-Joies in Saguenay, Que., a boutique specializing in tailor-made court attire for legal professionals, LeGallou faced the challenge of adhering to the court’s dress code protocol while also adding a touch of uniqueness. The team dedicated countless hours to seize this exceptional opportunity, fostering a stronger bond among them.
In the realm of Canada’s legal system, specific guidelines dictate the attire for lawyers and judges, with black robes and white tabs being standard. Les Rabat-Joies adds a personalized touch to traditional legal attire, offering a variety of tab designs ranging from lace collars to vibrant rainbow-stitched tabs. The company also offers custom lining options for robes, featuring diverse prints like animals, vehicles, and patterns.
Stéphanie Gobeil, the company’s assistant director, explained that the name “Les Rabat-Joies” plays on the French term for tabs or bands worn by legal professionals, aiming to bring a fresh and enjoyable element to courtroom fashion.
The team at Les Rabat-Joies worked diligently throughout the spring and summer to craft unique attire for each of the nine Supreme Court justices. With a commitment to perfection, they meticulously embroidered the Cormier symbol, representing the Supreme Court of Canada, onto black silk sourced from Korea. Each robe, requiring 40 hours of labor, was a testament to the team’s dedication and precision.
The ceremonial robes received high praise upon their public unveiling at the start of the Supreme Court season, with Chief Justice Richard Wagner commending their modern and Canadian design. This initiative to modernize the court’s attire is seen as a positive step towards encouraging change and innovation in legal environments across Canada.
Despite the success of the project, challenges lie ahead for Les Rabat-Joies, particularly in retaining its team. Immigration rule changes have put the future of two temporary foreign workers at risk, jeopardizing their ability to continue working at the boutique. LeGallou is actively engaging with authorities to find a solution that would allow her employees to remain in Canada, emphasizing her commitment to her team and the business’s future growth.