In this episode of The Localist, host Carrie Rollwagen is joined by Julie Maeseele to discuss the intersection of sustainable fashion and the business of art. Julie shares her journey from Belgium to Birmingham, Alabama, highlighting her unexpected but rewarding integration into the local fashion scene. She describes her unique fashion label that emphasizes hand-sewn, recycled materials, and speaks on winning an emerging designer competition at Birmingham Fashion Week, which bolstered her career locally. Julie reflects on her experiences, including overcoming imposter syndrome and initially being apprehensive about customer interactions. However, she found joy in witnessing customers appreciate her garments, which fostered a deeper connection to her work.
The conversation moves into the challenges and rewards associated with the creative process, from designing and sourcing materials to the financial and time-consuming aspects of running a fashion business. Julie discusses her strategy for diversifying income through collaborations, workshops and custom garment creation, emphasizing the importance of buying less, wearing clothes longer and supporting local economies to combat the unsustainable practices prevalent in the fast fashion industry. Both Carrie and Julie advocate for a shift towards more conscious consumerism and explore the significant environmental and social impacts of current shopping habits. They encourage engaging with local brands and the meaningful experiences that come with understanding the origin and story behind the clothes we wear.
Mentioned in this episode:
Julie Maeseele Website: www.juliemaeseele.com
Julie Maeseele Instagram: www.instagram.com/juliemaeseele
Birmingham Emerging Designer competition: https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2024/09/magic-city-fashion-week-gears-up-for-season-5-with-events-beginning-saturday/
Garment Revival: https://www.juliemaeseele.com/about-the-project.html#/
Winslet & Rhys: https://www.instagram.com/winsletandrhys/?hl=en
Graham Yelton: https://grahamyelton.com/
Lillis Taylor: https://www.lillistaylor.com/
Bib & Tucker: https://bibandtuckersewop.org/pages/about-our-founders
Manuel: https://countrymusichalloffame.org/exhibit/suiting-the-sound/manuel/