Sophie Gregoire Trudeau is once again shining a spotlight on Canada's fashion talent, this time during a visit to Japan alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Gregoire Trudeau arrived in Tokyo on Monday wearing a white suit by Montreal designer Marie Saint Pierre and paired the ensemble with a handbag from Montreal luxury accessory label WANT Les Essentiels.
While visiting the Meiji Shrine on Tuesday, Gregoire Trudeau paired a floral day dress with red heels by Zvelle (http://www.zvelle.com/), a Canadian online shoe company.
Sophie and I were honoured to pay respects and hang prayer tablets this morning at the Meiji shrine. pic.twitter.com/blh8r2427g
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 24, 2016
The country’s designers have recently enjoyed more time in the spotlight thanks to Gregoire Trudeau, who's made it one of her priorities to promote Canadian design on the international stage.
While international figures such as U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, have often paid tribute to local designers during international visits or when hosting international guests, Gregoire Trudeau has so far stuck to Canadian design at home and abroad.
"It's wonderful because these designers are so lacking in that kind of international platform," fashion expert Jeanne Beker recently told CTVNews.ca. "And how wonderful would it be if Sophie can perhaps illustrate just how talented some of our own designers are in that international spotlight."
During the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, Gregoire Trudeau opted for a tailored jumpsuit by Montreal-based Mikael D., a clutch by Ottawa's Sidney Molepo and a bold ring by Canadian jewellery designer Dean Davidson.
During the couple's first official visit to Washington, D.C. in March, Gregoire Trudeau showcased an all-Canadian wardrobe from head-to-toe.
Toronto-based designer Lucian Matis experienced an uptick in exposure after Gregoire Trudeau wore two of his designs during the three-day visit, including a cap-sleeved purple gown for the White House state dinner and a bold red and pink dress during the official arrival ceremony at the White House.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau wears @lucianmatis #SS16 to the official arrival ceremony at the White House #PMDC #Trudeau pic.twitter.com/2yB5bzPScf
— Fashion Savage (@_fashionsavage) March 10, 2016
Gregoire Trudeau also opted for a Lucian Matis short-sleeved cut out black dress while enjoying the Broadway show Hamilton during a recent visit to New York City.
Some Canadian designers felt the "Sophie effect" immediately after Trudeau was elected prime minister in October.
After Gregoire Trudeau wore two coats by Toronto- based outerwear design house Sentaler, one during the prime minister's swearing-in ceremony and another during a Remembrance Day ceremony, the brand reported a boost in sales.
"She's probably put Sentaler on the map," Beker said. "It's a newer, pretty obscure brand. She makes beautiful coats and said the exposure did wonderful things for her business."
