Guest Feature: Juliana Garcia Bello
Juliana Garcia Bello was the winner of the Redress Design Award 2020 Womenswear category. For her prize, she went on to work with The R Collective, the social impact business inspired to life by Redress that upcycles luxury textile waste, on a collection made from excess garment defects. Juliana is also the founder of her own upcycling fashion brand, GARCIA BELLO. We caught up with the designer to hear about her journey with the competition and beyond.
Juliana is the founder of her own upcycling fashion brand, GARCIA BELLO.
What have you been up to since winning the Redress Design Award 2020 Womenswear category?
Winning the Redress Design Award was an incredible honour and milestone for me. Since then, I've been passionately immersed in further refining my sustainable design philosophy. The recognition and experience from the award have allowed me to expand my horizons and collaborate with like-minded individuals and organisations.
Post-award, I've continued to advocate for sustainable fashion practices, speaking at various industry events and workshops to raise awareness about the importance of upcycling and sustainable design. I've also had the privilege to work on innovative projects, pushing the boundaries of what sustainable fashion can achieve.
Additionally, I've been working diligently to expand my brand's reach and impact. This includes launching new collections that showcase the upcycling methods, as well as collaborating with designers to infuse techniques and processes into contemporary designs. In essence, winning the Redress Design Award marked the beginning of an exciting journey filled with growth, learning, and meaningful connections. It has inspired me to continue pushing the boundaries of the sustainable fashion industry.
What was one highlight from being in the Redress Design Award?
In my experience, the highlight was the incredible exposure it provided. Participating in such a prestigious competition allowed me to showcase my creative approach on a global stage, connecting with industry experts, fellow designers, and like-minded individuals who share my passion for sustainable fashion.
The competition was invaluable. Interacting with seasoned professionals and receiving feedback on my designs helped me refine my skills and expand my perspective on fashion. It was a truly transformative experience that not only elevated my design abilities but also deepened my commitment to creating fashion.
How would you encourage emerging sustainable designers to pursue a career in sustainable design?
Embracing a career in sustainable design is an incredible journey with meaningful impact. My advice to emerging sustainable designers would be: Let your passion drive you. Dive into sustainable practices and materials—it's a world of innovation waiting to be explored. See sustainability as a canvas for creativity, not a limitation. Share the story behind each design; storytelling adds depth. Start small and build progressively. Remember, you're not just creating fashion; you're shaping a better world through your garments.
From catwalk competition to The R Collective rails, what has your experience been like?
The R Collective has been an incredible journey, like making a dream. The experience has been transformative, allowing me to witness the tangible impact of my sustainable designs. Collaborating with The R Collective has also expanded my perspective. Working alongside outstanding professionals who share my commitment to upcycling has been enriching. I've learned about the practical aspects of bringing sustainable designs to a broader audience. This journey has affirmed the power of sustainable fashion. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about contributing to a more conscious industry.
