I think the Canadian sense of humor is dryer than America's and juicier than Britain's. I think it's a cross between the two of them really.
The aesthetic came along the way I think - just through experimenting and going on tour and trying stuff out on stage having fun with it and not taking it too seriously. If I had a ballgown at home I'd wear it onstage. If I found something in a charity shop I'd wear it. That's where it grew from - just wanting to play dress-up.