Meet our penultimate Avant Garde dress Top 10 finalist, Jade SImkins, from Fedisa. Inspired by artworks we look forward to seeing her “apocolypse upcycled denim” look.
Meet Jade…
What was your initial reaction to hearing the news that you had made the cut?
I was incredibly surprised. A friend of mine informed me of the news, but I didn’t believe her until I saw it for myself! It was a great way to end off a really overwhelming week of other design work – I’m happy my efforts paid off.
Tell us a little more about your ‘RESILIENCE’ look. What inspired you?
The theme behind my “Resilience’ look was inspired by the aftermath of an apocalypse. The Earth’s natural resources are deteriorating at a rapid rate brought about by a population who continue to make decisions that do not benefit the environment, but rather exhaust it further. By transforming a simple pair of jeans into an Avant Garde dress, it demonstrates how a small change can make a big difference. We all have the ability to be resilient after so many years of destruction.
What challenges have you experienced by adhering to the competition principles of upcycling and only using eco-friendly dyeing techniques?
It has been challenging trying to source natural dyeing techniques that will produce a vivid enough colour for my design. Preparing the dye will also take a while, so time management is crucial. I hope to get enough fabric from the denim I’ve found, especially when creating my smocked panels.
One thing we should know about you as a designer?
I gather most of my inspiration from artworks. From conceptualism to surrealism to cubism, my mind will try to think of unique ways to transform Klimt’s “Golden Phase” into a unique print, or Dali’s melting clocks into an ethereal drape.
What did you want to be growing up?
There hasn’t been a moment where I’ve thought of doing something other than fashion design. My mom has great style and my dad is incredibly artistic; so I’ve always been surrounded by design and beautiful clothing. I’m sure if you had to go through my childhood toy box, you’d find more than a few badly hand sewn Barbie dresses.
Name one local designer who inspires you? And internationally?
I’m really inspired by Tamara Dyson. Her graduate collection transcended any other work I’ve seen created by fellow local designers. She’s brought something fresh to the South African market, without borrowing too much inspiration from international trends, which is something I really appreciate. International designers inspire me for different reasons, but the two that stand out for me the most is Alexander McQueen and Elie Saab.
Do you currently make sustainable choices when it comes to fashion? What, in your view as a consumer, are the challenges to making sustainable fashion choices locally?
I’m not an impulsive shopper, so I don’t have a closet filled with clothes I never wear. I prefer to buy natural, good quality clothing that will last longer, rather than synthetics that will break or tear over time. Every couple of months I like to donate my clothing for someone else to reuse, or I will use the fabric for mockups or storyboard swatches. It’s challenging to make sustainable clothing choices locally because of its accessibility and the costs involved. The cost of producing natural fabrics is much larger than that of chemically produced fabrics. It’s not often a viable choice for South Africans.
Why do you think there are so few ethically and eco-minded designers locally?
I feel we’re a generation so reliant on technology and instant gratification that not many designers, or consumers, will take the time to think whether or not their choices are eco-friendly. Designers have are accustomed to a fast paced lifestyle in order to stay relevant; breaking that routine and taking a moment to consider what is best for the environment could be viewed as wasting time and money.
I can’t start my day without…
A good bath, a cup of tea and a rusk.
Currently playing on your iPod…
Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Zebra & Giraffe, Placebo
My own style is…
Simplistic. I wear mostly black or other neutral colours with statement pieces.
Name 5 celebs (dead or alive) you would most like to invite over for a dinner party?
Alexander McQueen, Salvador Dali, Grace Coddington, Rachel Zoe, Lena Dunham
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
“The best revenge is massive success”
Current obsession?
I’ve recently found a hidden little fabric store that supplies hand painted and block printed fabrics from around Africa. I’m obsessed with the rich colours and the unique character of each print. I’ve been wanting to make a dress from it ever since!
Top tip when it comes to upcycling?
Don’t be afraid to experiment. A piece of clothing which seems to have run its course may still have some life left in it. Who knows what amazing work you could create?
