Jussara Lee

August 26, 2008 on 12:59 pm | In Other-Campaigns, Other-Designers, - Cheng |

Jussara and her team, along with photographer Victor Gutierrez, shot images on the rooftop of her boutique this week for her new men’s shirt line (collaborated with partner Oliver Harkness-www.11nyc.com) and images for her fall 2008 campaign.

(Fall 2008 campaign, Ryan & Trevor Oakes)

Jussara is still one designer who’s survived the meatpacking invasion without big corporate money. She runs her intimate boutique with grace and a sense of humor. It may be small in size, but the energy and life overflows. You’ve got to give credit to her strength and style, especially when other insititutions, like the restaurant Florent, have said good-bye after being pushed out due to high rent and mass market.

(Emily)

I caught up with them for a quick Q & A…

Starworks: What was your concept behind your campaign for fall?

Victor: Jussara and I were both reacting to an oversaturated market of images and waste. The challenge was to convey a feeling that wasn’t relying on sex or glamour. We decided to take portraits of friends she admired - young artists Jussara was inspired by.

Starworks: What was your inspiration for your RTW collection?

Jussara Lee: The conquest of happiness.

Starworks: How has your line evolved over the years? How long have you had your shop in the meatpacking district?

Jussara Lee: Evolution is me constantly trying to make the arrival a little better than the departure. It’s been seven years since I moved to the meat market.

Starworks: You’re involved with the Canary Project (www.canary-project.org) and sustainable/recycled product - your clothing is so beautifully crafted and tailored of luxury design, which is not typically what people would associate with eco-friendly wear - we’re used to the hipster, hippy look. How has your clientele responded?

Jussara Lee: The greatest people buy and order dresses because they are so desirable and deserving. I love controversy.

(Jussara’s boutique. Canary Project collabo installation - Albedo Clouds on Little West 12th)

 

www.jussaralee.com
www.oakesoakes.com
Photographer Victor Gutierrez
–Cheng