What inspired you to become a fashion designer?

My latest collection, Jugendstyl, is inspired by Art Nouveau. You will see soft, romantic silhouettes with puff sleeves, mustard tones, checked trousers and simple sandals. The lines are vine-like and sculptural, with floral influences and curved forms that gently challenge traditional ideas of gender. It is modern femininity and youthfulness, built with natural and deadstock fibres, natural dyes and handcrafted details.

How would you describe your design style?

I am an Australian-born, South African-raised, Vancouver-based designer. I see myself as a world citizen, and my work reflects the places I have lived. My style is art-driven and craft-focused, rooted in Art Nouveau’s long, organic lines and respect for skilled making. I use natural and deadstock fibres, natural dyes and woven fabrics to create high-quality, lasting pieces. I also play with gender, with men in feminine cuts, soft silhouettes, sculptural curves and floral influences, so each piece quietly breaks traditional ideas of what clothing should be.

What can people expect from your latest collection?

Every place I have lived has shaped how I see beauty, craft and what clothing can do for a person. I wanted to make more than beautiful objects. I wanted to make things people could wear, live in and feel themselves in. With Beeld, my goal is to create unique pieces that are also well-fitted and comfortable, so the wearer can use clothing as a way to express who they are. Art Nouveau, sustainability and the desire to make thoughtful, durable garments pushed me further. The idea of gently challenging norms through design made fashion feel like a meaningful path.

How do you turn an Art Nouveau idea into a garment that still feels modern and wearable?

I start with the lines and the feeling first. Art Nouveau gives me long, vine-like curves, floral motifs and a sense of calm romance. Then I ask how this would look on a body moving through a city today. I keep the silhouette simple and let one or two elements carry the reference, like a sculptural sleeve, a curved seam or a checked trouser with a soft waist. I work with natural and deadstock fibres and natural dyes so the texture and colour already feel grounded and real. The goal is for someone to recognise the Art Nouveau spirit without the piece feeling like a costume. It should fit well, feel comfortable and sit easily in a modern wardrobe.

What does sustainability actually look like in your design and production process?

For me, sustainability starts with the materials. I choose natural and deadstock fibres whenever I can, and I use natural dyes and woven fabrics that have a lower impact and age well. I design for longevity, so each piece is meant to be high quality, durable and something you want to keep for years, not just one season. I also think about the human side. I work on a small scale, with handcrafted details and careful construction, so there is less waste and more intention behind each garment. I do not try to make everything for everyone. I make fewer pieces, with more thought, so the environmental and social cost is lower and the value for the wearer is higher.