A quick chat with Melbourne designer Jude Ng from JUDE
I recently sat down to discuss everything from The Devil Wears Prada, the A/W18 collection and the designer’s little-known allergy to cats!
The Australian fashion industry has had a few casualties lately, with cult fashion labels such as Zachery The Label, Oroton and David Lawrence falling victim to administration. So it’s nice to see new Aussie designers rise from the ashes and open their own flagship stores. I spoke to newcomer Jude Ng from JUDE about his latest collection, Tourmaline.
Jude, tell me your story: how did you get to where you are today?
I have always been interested in fashion from a young age, but had always looked at it through the viewpoint of art. A lot of influence came through my parents – my dad was an antiques and art dealer, and my mother was a fashion fanatic who loved designer clothes.
I think all of this played a big part in inspiring my creativity. I was always sketching, painting, and creating from an early age. My dream was always to be an artist. After studying fine arts formally, I decided that fashion was the natural route for me, as I wanted my work to reach a wider audience and I believed fashion would be the perfect medium.
I started my label very organically as an independent designer making what I love and staying true to my own aesthetic. From selling my work through local design markets and events, I eventually opened my own flagship store, which is also my design studio.
Your latest collection is Tourmaline. How did you come up with the name and what is the story behind it?
In this A/W 18 collection titled Tourmaline, we were inspired by the protective power of dressing up, using clothing as an amulet to fortify the wearer as they travel through their daily life. Much like a tourmaline amulet, the lush textures, deeply rich colours, and functional, sculpted shapes of the collection are layered together to create versatile outfits with longevity.
As a designer, where do you find constant inspiration to continue designing? Do you have any special tricks you use to get you in the ‘inspirational mood’?
Inspiration can come when I least expect it! Usually when I am watching a film or documentary, reading a book about art or fashion, walking around my neighbourhood (Fitzroy) observing quirky characters and the amazing street art, or simply going for a run or to the gym to clear my head. Being outdoors in nature also inspires me a lot.
I believe that with this shift towards slow fashion, we are slowly reviving the garment industry here.
What is the biggest misconception about the fashion industry?
That it is glamorous. A lot of hard work and dedication goes on behind the scenes.
You place a heavy emphasis on being an ethical brand. Why did this become such a significant attribute of the JUDE label?
From working in the industry for a while, I definitely saw the ugly side of mainstream and mass produced fashion, and the amount of social and environmental issues it causes. I wanted my own brand to be an antithesis of this idea, and a shift towards a more sustainable and ethical creation of fashion. I also strongly believe in supporting the local garment industry, and trying to support dying crafts and makers. I believe that with this shift towards slow fashion, we are slowly reviving the garment industry here.
What is one thing most people wouldn’t know about you?
I am allergic to cats!
I would say to always stay true to yourself and your vision, and have a great deal of endurance and patience. If you love it and are willing to work hard, you will succeed!
What are 3 things you cannot live without?
My sketch pad and pencils, coffee, my sewing machine.
What’s in store for JUDE over the coming year? Can you give us any scoop on what the next collection is going to entail?
We have exciting things planned for the coming season. We have designed our own print which is based on my hand-drawn illustrations. The design will be digitally printed onto fabric, as well as hand screen printed by a local artisan. Our collection will also feature in street runway 3 at MFW this year.
What is the one thing you would say to someone who wanted to get into the business of having a fashion line?
I would say to always stay true to yourself and your vision, and have a great deal of endurance and patience. If you love it and are willing to work hard, you will succeed!
As a fashion designer, what is your absolute favourite fashion movie or documentary and why?
As silly as it is, probably The Devil Wears Prada. I love how it is such an over-the-top, yet true-to-life view of the fashion world.
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