As more attention is given to the impact of human society on the environment, how has
your personal style evolved? How have you changed your lifestyle to reduce your own
impact on the environment?
My New Year’s resolution was to reduce my consumption. In relation to my style, I have decided
to purchase vintage only and make/remake garments. It’s not only a great personal strategy but
will also fuel my professional creativity.
your personal style evolved? How have you changed your lifestyle to reduce your own
impact on the environment?
My New Year’s resolution was to reduce my consumption. In relation to my style, I have decided
to purchase vintage only and make/remake garments. It’s not only a great personal strategy but
will also fuel my professional creativity.
What particular measures have you taken to make the technology used to craft your garments more efficient?
Wow, would I love to feel efficient. The creative/design process inherently is not all that efficient. It’s a lot of daydreaming, research,
exploring, editing, revising, trial and error. I attempt to be efficient with my time, including scheduling enough for the things I just listed.
We make the majority of our first samples in the studio. That process is really devoid of technology and I would actually choose to keep
it that way. My tools are muslin, pins, tape measure, dress form, pattern paper, ruler, pencil, straight stitch machine and that is about it.
Wow, would I love to feel efficient. The creative/design process inherently is not all that efficient. It’s a lot of daydreaming, research,
exploring, editing, revising, trial and error. I attempt to be efficient with my time, including scheduling enough for the things I just listed.
We make the majority of our first samples in the studio. That process is really devoid of technology and I would actually choose to keep
it that way. My tools are muslin, pins, tape measure, dress form, pattern paper, ruler, pencil, straight stitch machine and that is about it.
Many designers are torn between balancing self-enhancement and self-transcendence. Do
you think the fashion industry as a whole is ready to collectively support and practice “going
green”?
Great question. You are correct, it is not so much about the designer being ready, it's about an
industry as a whole being ready, being in sync. I know many designers like myself that have
been ready to “go green” since the early 90’s, but we don’t work in isolation. The process of
creating and selling garments is a very complex capitalist system of people, companies,
countries, rigid protocols that leave the designer with very little power. The process requires a
lot of cooperation and compromise and those other parties also have to be on board with your
“green views”. For me, “going green” is not enough; I am looking for partners in social and
economic justice in addition to environmental preservation and/or enhancement. This has to be
a win-win pursuit for everyone in the process, from farmer to consumer and beyond. Having
said that, there are some amazing pioneers in this industry including Yvon Chouinard of
Patagonia and Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin; these people bucked the established
protocols, and created ground breaking sustainable business models and products.
you think the fashion industry as a whole is ready to collectively support and practice “going
green”?
Great question. You are correct, it is not so much about the designer being ready, it's about an
industry as a whole being ready, being in sync. I know many designers like myself that have
been ready to “go green” since the early 90’s, but we don’t work in isolation. The process of
creating and selling garments is a very complex capitalist system of people, companies,
countries, rigid protocols that leave the designer with very little power. The process requires a
lot of cooperation and compromise and those other parties also have to be on board with your
“green views”. For me, “going green” is not enough; I am looking for partners in social and
economic justice in addition to environmental preservation and/or enhancement. This has to be
a win-win pursuit for everyone in the process, from farmer to consumer and beyond. Having
said that, there are some amazing pioneers in this industry including Yvon Chouinard of
Patagonia and Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin; these people bucked the established
protocols, and created ground breaking sustainable business models and products.
Fashion designers work in very competitive
markets. How do you manage to keep your
competitive edge yet create a sustainable
consumption line?
By creating thoughtful, beautifully designed
and constructed garments that unless I tell
you they are “green” you would have no idea. I
can tell you a story about every single piece in
my fall 08 collection; about the inspiration, the
innovation in design and fit, use of clean
seams, eco-textiles, the people involved in the
process, etc. It has been my experience that
consumers aren’t all that interested in that
story yet; they are more interested in which
celebrity might be wearing it or if it speaks of
their status. It is my hope that the questioning
happening in the food industry will extend into
consumers questioning all their purchases
including fashion. I’m optimistic.
markets. How do you manage to keep your
competitive edge yet create a sustainable
consumption line?
By creating thoughtful, beautifully designed
and constructed garments that unless I tell
you they are “green” you would have no idea. I
can tell you a story about every single piece in
my fall 08 collection; about the inspiration, the
innovation in design and fit, use of clean
seams, eco-textiles, the people involved in the
process, etc. It has been my experience that
consumers aren’t all that interested in that
story yet; they are more interested in which
celebrity might be wearing it or if it speaks of
their status. It is my hope that the questioning
happening in the food industry will extend into
consumers questioning all their purchases
including fashion. I’m optimistic.
You are known for your hand crafted knits. What led you to Peru and
what skills or techniques used by Peruvian Inca descendants make
them so distinctive and masterful?
A search for eco-friendly yarns led me to Tamara Stern at Kusikuy who
represents and organizes skilled artisans in Peru and Bolivia. These
artisans have never diverged from the craft to more industrialized
means mass-producing clothing. The master knitters are Aymara and
Quechua pre-Inca descendants. They belong to independent
cooperatives and communities. Many members live in simple adobe
homes with thatched grass roofs and no electricity or running water.
Some knitters manage small organic farms caring for llamas and
sheep, and cultivating wheat, potatoes and "quinoa," a high protein
Andean grain. Those living near the shores of Lake Titicaca tend
alpaca herds. Knitters are paid a fair wage for their work and
participate in skills workshops and personal growth opportunities.
Several knitters have traveled to the USA and Europe receiving
international recognition for the quality of their work. Earnings from
knitting go towards improving living conditions for families and
strengthening native communities.
what skills or techniques used by Peruvian Inca descendants make
them so distinctive and masterful?
A search for eco-friendly yarns led me to Tamara Stern at Kusikuy who
represents and organizes skilled artisans in Peru and Bolivia. These
artisans have never diverged from the craft to more industrialized
means mass-producing clothing. The master knitters are Aymara and
Quechua pre-Inca descendants. They belong to independent
cooperatives and communities. Many members live in simple adobe
homes with thatched grass roofs and no electricity or running water.
Some knitters manage small organic farms caring for llamas and
sheep, and cultivating wheat, potatoes and "quinoa," a high protein
Andean grain. Those living near the shores of Lake Titicaca tend
alpaca herds. Knitters are paid a fair wage for their work and
participate in skills workshops and personal growth opportunities.
Several knitters have traveled to the USA and Europe receiving
international recognition for the quality of their work. Earnings from
knitting go towards improving living conditions for families and
strengthening native communities.
The Uluru designs on this page are from Priebe's Fall 2008 ready-to-wear Collection
"I have decided to purchase vintage only and make/remake garments. It’s not
only a great personal strategy but will also fuel my professional creativity"
only a great personal strategy but will also fuel my professional creativity"
Describe the collaboration process with Natalie Chanin’s artisans at Lovelace
Crossroads in Alabama? Was this your first design collaboration and who else
would you love to work with?
Natalie and I are at just at the very beginning of our collaborative relationship, which
currently involves me designing within the context of the Lovelace artisan’s current
skill set. We have so many grand ideas beyond beautiful garment design that build
on what she has already created in Alabama. They focus on further supporting craft,
increasing local production, sustainable micro-economic development, teaching
financial literacy and various ways of up-cycling textiles.
Anyone want to help?
Crossroads in Alabama? Was this your first design collaboration and who else
would you love to work with?
Natalie and I are at just at the very beginning of our collaborative relationship, which
currently involves me designing within the context of the Lovelace artisan’s current
skill set. We have so many grand ideas beyond beautiful garment design that build
on what she has already created in Alabama. They focus on further supporting craft,
increasing local production, sustainable micro-economic development, teaching
financial literacy and various ways of up-cycling textiles.
Anyone want to help?
Natalie “Alabama” Chanin left the American couture line Project Alabama in the
year 2006 when the company shut down and ended all production operations in
the state of Alabama. With the former crew and artisans of Project Alabama,
Natalie now proudly operates her new venture, Alabama Chanin.
Alabama Chanin creates limited-edition, rendered-by-hand, jewelry, clothing,
home furnishing and textiles using a mixture of recycled and organic materials
with local talent. Based on the thought that good design should be a part of
everyday living, Alabama Chanin gives modern context to techniques that have
been passed down through generations of women and men.
Source: Alabamastudiostyle.blogspot.com
year 2006 when the company shut down and ended all production operations in
the state of Alabama. With the former crew and artisans of Project Alabama,
Natalie now proudly operates her new venture, Alabama Chanin.
Alabama Chanin creates limited-edition, rendered-by-hand, jewelry, clothing,
home furnishing and textiles using a mixture of recycled and organic materials
with local talent. Based on the thought that good design should be a part of
everyday living, Alabama Chanin gives modern context to techniques that have
been passed down through generations of women and men.
Source: Alabamastudiostyle.blogspot.com
Uluru is collaborating with who???
What advice do you have for other designers looking to start a sustainable
business model? What’s next for the business plan?
Do your homework. Read cradle to cradle, the ecology of commerce and eco-
textile news. Write a really good business plan, don’t start undercapitalized and be
prepared to work. I am currently re-writing my business plan and looking for a very
special investor who can see “the whole” and is willing to fund the process. It’s a
good fight.
business model? What’s next for the business plan?
Do your homework. Read cradle to cradle, the ecology of commerce and eco-
textile news. Write a really good business plan, don’t start undercapitalized and be
prepared to work. I am currently re-writing my business plan and looking for a very
special investor who can see “the whole” and is willing to fund the process. It’s a
good fight.
Fashion Q&A loves that each season you’re inspired by a female of
‘substance, courage and style’. Why did you choose Mexican painter
Frida Kahlo as your Fall inspiration and what elements from her unique artistry
have you incorporated in the line?
Frida, despite immense adversity lived a larger than life existence. Despite both a
near death accident that left her in chronic pain and bed ridden for extended
periods and a very tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, she lived a life full
of love, art, travel, and political activism. Her resilience, passion, personal style,
and adventures grab me.
‘substance, courage and style’. Why did you choose Mexican painter
Frida Kahlo as your Fall inspiration and what elements from her unique artistry
have you incorporated in the line?
Frida, despite immense adversity lived a larger than life existence. Despite both a
near death accident that left her in chronic pain and bed ridden for extended
periods and a very tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, she lived a life full
of love, art, travel, and political activism. Her resilience, passion, personal style,
and adventures grab me.
Do you use organic cosmetic/toiletries, and if so which lines and products can you not live without?
I love Juice Beauty products for my face ($36), Alba body butter for my body ($11.95), Carol’s Daughter for hair ($58)
and I am obsessed with all the yummy scents in Meyer’s home products ($9.99).
I love Juice Beauty products for my face ($36), Alba body butter for my body ($11.95), Carol’s Daughter for hair ($58)
and I am obsessed with all the yummy scents in Meyer’s home products ($9.99).
Do you consider yourself a designer with a conscience and why? And what
attributes define such a designer?
I do have a conscious, but doesn’t everyone? It just boils down to how loud yours
is and if you listen to it. Feeling “the whole” can be really painful and frustrating. It
would be so much easier if I could just concentrate on designing beautiful things
but I can’t help feeling a greater responsibility. I am very conscious that I do not
work/live in isolation and that my designs have an impact.
attributes define such a designer?
I do have a conscious, but doesn’t everyone? It just boils down to how loud yours
is and if you listen to it. Feeling “the whole” can be really painful and frustrating. It
would be so much easier if I could just concentrate on designing beautiful things
but I can’t help feeling a greater responsibility. I am very conscious that I do not
work/live in isolation and that my designs have an impact.
What non-profit organizations or charities does Uluru support and why?
I have made donations to Justfood.org a nonprofit organization dedicated to
sustainable, just food systems in New York. Unfortunately, there isn’t much extra
money floating around a small design label for any major gift giving. Building a
sustainable business is social entrepreneurship and my biggest contribution.
Sustainable business models can be just as effective at supporting social
change as a non-profit, by investing in green inputs, supporting
artisans/craftspeople etc. I am working on the same causes many non-profits do.
I have made donations to Justfood.org a nonprofit organization dedicated to
sustainable, just food systems in New York. Unfortunately, there isn’t much extra
money floating around a small design label for any major gift giving. Building a
sustainable business is social entrepreneurship and my biggest contribution.
Sustainable business models can be just as effective at supporting social
change as a non-profit, by investing in green inputs, supporting
artisans/craftspeople etc. I am working on the same causes many non-profits do.
What three fun facts about yourself would you like our readers to know about
you as a person?
I live with my brother Austin who was an engineer turned jeweler/metal smith and
works for an amazing designer named Dean Harris. My dream is to own a tree
house by a body of water. My favorite food is squash. I successfully work in a
collaborative design space called 5 in 1 www.studio5in1.com.
you as a person?
I live with my brother Austin who was an engineer turned jeweler/metal smith and
works for an amazing designer named Dean Harris. My dream is to own a tree
house by a body of water. My favorite food is squash. I successfully work in a
collaborative design space called 5 in 1 www.studio5in1.com.
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Caroline
Priebe
Cosmetics Craves
Priebe
Cosmetics Craves
One of your Fall ‘08 inspirations came from a red suede jacket your
grandmother Fritzi designed. Do designing skills run in the DNA?
Curiosity, appreciation of craft, beauty and function does. My family didn’t teach
me to design rather they inspired me to create. They are an endless source of
inspiration and support. My grandma Fritzi was an amazing seamstress and had
an iconic sense of style. She sewed every evening for enjoyment. There wasn’t
anything she purchased that she didn’t change or improve for her body or taste.
My other grandma, Grandma Skelton is equally as beautiful just less fancy and
taught me to craft, knit, bake and cook for others.
grandmother Fritzi designed. Do designing skills run in the DNA?
Curiosity, appreciation of craft, beauty and function does. My family didn’t teach
me to design rather they inspired me to create. They are an endless source of
inspiration and support. My grandma Fritzi was an amazing seamstress and had
an iconic sense of style. She sewed every evening for enjoyment. There wasn’t
anything she purchased that she didn’t change or improve for her body or taste.
My other grandma, Grandma Skelton is equally as beautiful just less fancy and
taught me to craft, knit, bake and cook for others.
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