Justine Pulford
From: Cape Town
@justinepul {Instagram}
Collection title: Autumn Knits
Tell us a bit more about your “URBAN LUXE” collection. What inspired you?
My inspiration for my Urban Luxe collection was autumn and knits. I am in love with knitwear and I love autumn as I can finally pull out my jerseys. I wanted my collection to be chic for a city girl yet still look organic and be comfortable for home.
If you had to match a song to your collection, what would it be and why?
I would choose A Walk by Tycho. I find this song to have an earthy and mysterious essence about it. When I hear it uplifts me and makes me feel cozy. I feel as though my collection gives a similar feeling to this song.
What challenges have you experienced by adhering to the competition principles of using sustainable design techniques?
I haven’t had any challenges so far. In fact I have so enjoyed having the opportunity to design using sustainable techniques and fabrics. I am, however, planning on staining some of my fabric with coffee and am a bit nervous because the colour and shade outcome of staining fabric with natural ingredients is unpredictable.
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
Sustainable fashion is fashion that is not harmful to the environment or ourselves. It is unfortunate that to keep up with our never ending demands there is a huge market for fabrics that are exposed to toxic chemicals, pesticides and dyes that are harmful to the environment and our bodies. Our skin is known as our largest organ and it is scary to think that we (including myself) are directly exposed to these fabrics for almost 24 hours a day. It is also important to consider the negative effect that the production of synthetic and inorganic fabrics have on the planet. Sustainable fashion is making a difference one garment at a time. This is why I decided to use hemp and bamboo and to stain my fabric with coffee.
I can’t start my day without…
A cup of tea! We have a huge collection of teas at home and I can’t study or write an essay without a teapot in front of me.
You are currently obsessed with?
Glitter! I have a shelf of glitter, a jar of glitter, a baby bottle of glitter hanging from my car mirror, a pot of glitter in my bag and I dust glitter next to my eyes every day.
3 things we don’t know about you…
One of my favourite things to do is hike.
I love to cook.
I love animated movies.
What’s on your horizon?
I am hoping to complete my studies and gain working experience so that I can one day have my own business wherein I use hemp, organic cotton and bamboo fabrics.
What is your most treasured piece in your wardrobe?
I would have to say there are two. I have a short, low back, hooded onesie by Jen Patten (not as in those big fluffy animal suits). Have a look at more of her designs on Facebook at Warrior Within Designs. I also have a beautiful tie dye skirt by Marcelle Thompson with fantasy like prints on the centre front and centre back panels which she calls the “Goddess Skirt”. You can also have a look at her designs on her Facebook page Marz Psy-Wear.
Top tip when it comes to sustainable design…
Look at what people are wearing, doing and seeking in design. That’s what I did. This competition brief was about making sustainable fashion the norm. This is because we are trying to spread awareness and show people that sustainable techniques do not need to look boring and outdated.
The Remake Design Challenge is proudly brought to you by Pick n Pay in partnership with The Cape Town Fashion Council.
