Today we’d like to introduce you to Duston Jasso.
Hi Duston, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was always a creative child, I could draw before I could write. I never fit into a box, so it was my way of expressing myself. I fell in love with fashion by going this my mom shopping and seeing all the beautiful clothing. Also, I have always loved fashion dolls especially Bratz dolls, I was obsessed and still am as an adult doll collector. As a child, I love redressing and making them new outfits and giving them a haircut or to (sorry Mom lol). I loved living that fantasy world that dolls gave me. That translated into designing clothing when I got older. When I was a teenager, I would read all the fashion magazines from cover to cover. I remember being 13, and It hit me. Fashion Design was the perfect mix of my love & art into one medium. In high school, I was a sophomore I went to Fidm’s annual fashion show called Debut and fell in love! I remember in that moment I wanted to go to that collage and show my collection at Debut one day.
After high school, I started my journey at FIDM and studied fashion design. I got my Ba in fashion design. I won a scholarship from Guess Inc. Then in 2016 that dream came true, I got to show a 12-look collection called “Aquatic Flux” a Fidm’s Debut. After that, I was chosen by FIDM to show cause a collection called the “The Aureate” at NYFW with the Supima Design Competition. I finished my BA degree in 2017 and the rest is history! I currently work at Guess Jeans as an associate designer. I have been there three years and design all Guess’s women’s main label nondenim bottoms and outerwear. In 2020 I launched my own graphic tee shirt brand called HAUS OF JASSO. Where I focus on tee shirts with original artwork and hand emblements and techniques. The brand forces on unisex dressing with inspiring you to come as you are and live & wear your truth everyday.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a journey, I learned really quickly that fashion is no joke, it’s truly fast-paced, cutthroat, and fast-paced. It also takes a lot of dedication, drive, and passion. The biggest struggle being and artist that is a fashion designer. Is having to stay fresh, relevant for the market your designing for. While also designing a product that is not only markable but can be made to be sold a certain price point.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love telling a story in my work. If it is from a garment to an illustration. I love to mix fantasy & fem elements with dark undertones. I love creating drama in my work as well! I am known for my hand embellishments in my couture designs, with organific shapes mixed with tailoring. Always keeping art relevant in fashion. I am most proud of my graduating collection “Aquatic Flux” I showed at FIDM Debut. The collection was the birth of my design ethic. “Aquatic Flux” Inspired by the deep oceans and the mermaids that’s live there. This women’s couture evening collection really showcased my hand beading work. Each garment was covered with hand-beaded pearls and crystals. Also, my storytelling abilities as the collection walked down the runway by building on silhouette, colors, & movement of each look.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
For sure! That life is way too short not to do what you love every day and be around the people you love every day. In addition, it has affected my designs and art because the whole world is thinking/ behaving a lot differently now and that space allows for creative and newness to happen.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: hausofjasso.com
- Instagram: dusty-do
