Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Clancey.
Julia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I guess from a young age, I was destined to finally end up as a designer as would always sketch outlooks and write down every detail of my outfits in my diary.
My break came whilst living overseas in Australia in for four years doing the door for just one night at a gay fetish club. I was helping a friend out and decided to create an outfit made of rubber inner tubes, ducks and gloves. I know a far cry but it was this lateral thinking he told me that caught the attention of adverting guru Bobby Gassie.
He called me into his agency the next day and got booked on a big advertising campaign the next day securing an agent too.
My work as a fashion stylist began in Melbourne/Sydney with a role as Fashion editor and Editor following not long after.
I moved back to UK relocating to London and carried on styling working across music, advertising and fashion. An opportunity arose for me to create designs for an international campaign which led to the launch of my brand. It was very much ‘fake it to you make it ‘ madly learning along the way.
Being self-taught it took a while to navigate and develop my style. There are silhouettes from my first collection that I still use. As a stylist, I wanted and did design every element of the looks. A constant explosion of ideas and directions so took a lot of control to rail it in to produce a commercially viable collection.
I started coming to L.A. for award season bringing my gowns and had P.R. meetings in New York. Sponsorship was secured for IMG/Smashbox Fashion Week and then relocated shortly after.
My collection was unfortunately stolen a few days before my show so decided to take a break and went into costume design on feature films for a few years which I loved and incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
Having this break really enabled me to sit back and think about the collection and future direction.
The resort collections launched three years ago… I think! The turbans were created as part of the zero-waste initiative and now my signature.
Has it been a smooth road?
It is always hard. You do not get into fashion unless you truly love what you do. Why would you?
The tip I give is to stay true to your vision and stay focused. You have to have blinkers on.
Everyone will tell you what you should be doing but listen to yourself and instinct.
In the beginning, I was lucky enough not to use my name as the brand as had some very unsavory investors. I was young and I guess really desperate to make it work without partnering with the right people.
Having the collection stolen was a tough one but I do believe everything happens in my life as it should, so clearly, I was destined to work in film for a few years with the incredible Bernard Rose!
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
My company specializes in luxury resort wear for all seasons and is based primarily in Los Angeles, but also London.
We specialize in kaftan’s, turbans and jumpsuits offering a bespoke service.
We operate at 100 % zero waste donating all fabric to local schools and the fantastic charity Art of Elysium to create art projects. This is an initiative I want other L.A. based designers to get involved in.
The fashion industry has a huge responsibility and will take over as number 1 pollutant.
At present, we are researching for vegan, ethical organic fabrics to use with natural dyes.
We have a way to go and by no means perfect but on the journey.
Remember sequins are forever, so hand down or donate… haha. I do love my sequins.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We need to make changes now to how we shop and the fabrics we choose to work with.
There is absolutely is no reason to use animal products.
I would like to personally see an end to fast fashion. I look at the prices and think there is no way the people making these are being looked after plus all the plastic that enters the environment after each wash is mind-blowing.
There is a must-see documentary called the River Blue about the denim industry which will really open your eyes to the enormity of this problem.
http://riverbluethemovie.eco/
If you are buying cotton, then you have to buy organic.
Do your research. Where exactly are your clothes coming from? I love nothing more than a good vintage shop too.
We produce locally in L.A. as important to support the local industry. We also produce in India with a woman-run factory for embroidery.
Pricing:
- Turbans $200 -$1000
- Kaftans $200-3500
- Jumpsuits $500 to $1500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.juliaclancey.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Julia Clancey
- Facebook: Julia Clancey
- Twitter: Julia Clancey
Image Credit:
Portrait shot. Anthony Lycett, Others: Photo by Brett Russell. Styled by Liz Mendez. Make up Jo Mackay. Vintage jewelry by Liz Mendez Vintage
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
