Jacob Kimmie is a conceptual artist and designer wishing to break some rules in the fashion industry. His brand is more like a political tool, a fashion statement he uses to try to change the mentalities in fashion consumerism and industry. He never hesitates to “shock or provoke” popular opinions. His last collection was about porn industry, with a color focus on black and white and some skin tones.
The return to sobriety and basics of designs, is his real motto and obsession.
We met this avant garde designer from South Africa (a brilliant melting pot between Asia, Africa and UK) during his first appearance in Paris at the Labo Ethnik Fashion Weekend. UFFP media partner of the last edition was thrilled to converse with him.
Jacob Kimmie is, based in the UK and is also a fashion lecturer.
A story by Feriel Berraies Guigny
Interview with UFFP
What is your vision of fashion? My brand is trying to change the way men and women see fashion. I’m not into glamour or the whole business with it. I’m obsessed with the basics of fashion.
You redefine the industry ? its all about how women should dress. My fashion for the moment is the opposite of what is called trendy. It does not fall for technique.
You like somehow to provoke? Yes I like fashion to be radical but in a very beautiful way.
What are your favorites when it comes to color and fabric? I’m known to work in black and white. This season it’s the first time that add colors but even that is basically skin tone.
What about the prints it’s quite unusual? Yes the prints in this collection are about pornography. My work is actually very political. I’m also a lecturer in fashion and it is about contextual studies for fashion, Art and Designs in the UK.
Your approach tries to change the vision of clothes? Yes I’m trying to change and break some habits. People see clothes like something very polite, people are like sheep they follow the flow. They need to belong to something.
Especially women no ? women in particular yes.
How do you position yourself with ethical designs? Most of the fabrics I use are artisanal fabrics , I do everything myself in my studio. But it is true that empowering people while creating is very important to me. About two years ago, I used to work with empowerment groups in South Africa. Helping people starting up their own businesses. But I did my ethical approach focusing really on the human stories. It’s about when women all come together and share jobs as a way of empowering themselves in South Africa. It’s something I’m very passionate about it is the way I started working myself. An I intend to continue like that.
A long term dedication? Yes it does not make sense to go there for just one season, you must do it on the long term, working with artisans, beeds etc. It’s an attitude we must cultivate and keep and we should not think only the west can provide good artisans, why can’t the World go to Africa?!
