Q&A Paulina & Rachel | Sosume
We un-earthed the debut range of new eco-friendly fashion label Sosume last year. This unique clothing brand is created through a collaboration between four young designers based in different cities – Alex Trimmer (Melbourne), Wil Fry (Sydney), Paulina Petkoski and Rachel Kozub (New York). This month, we welcome Sosume fashion designers Paulina and Rachel from Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NYC.
Names: Paulina Petkoski & Rachel Kozub Nick names: PP & Rach
Professions: Sosume Fashion Designers / Current students at FIT
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC
Passions:
PP: Designing, bicycling, Lady Gaga, vodka-cranberry and thrift shopping
Rach: Designing, pickles, Detroit thrifting, vodka-Redbull and things that glow-in-the-dark
We get our inspirations from:
Everything! Our closets, friends closets, people on the subway, NYC streets, fashion history, the MoMa, thrift stores, magazines, blogs, Clueless…
How we got our break:
After relocating to Williamsburg, Brooklyn from our native lands, we all met two summers ago, in McCarren Park at BBQ and started talking about launching a fashion label. Soon after, we starting sneaking into our school design labs all summer; designing, drafting patterns and sewing samples until things grew a bit more full-on and we began working within the Garment District, NYC.
Our top tricks of the trade:
PP: My Iphone camera. I take pictures of everything, all the time. When I want to remember ideas just I flip through them, I have over 2000 pics on my phone right now.
Rach: I never throw anything away, there is always a way to re-invent old things to make them new again. I have a collection of random scraps and old cut up clothing I keep just in case.
Our style in a sentence:
PP: It’s constantly changing, quirky but always balanced with the right mix of vintage+modern.
Rach: It’s experimental, I have fun with clothing, playful, I never take myself too seriously.
Bet you didn’t know…
PP: I can juggle.
Rach: I tried out for cheerleading four times in high school before I finally gave up.
Our latest project is about:
Our new collection we are working on is going to be a larger range involving more colors and styles. Currently we are developing concepts around the idea of the clash of old-world style (a la Robin Hood) meets a post-apocalyptic future, or an urban nomad.
Last purchase:
PP: Betsey Johnson leopard tights.
Rach: Wacom pen and touch tablet (Woo!)
Current favourite mecho item:
Monster Heartbeats in-ear headphones by Lady Gaga
Travel destination and tips:
We both grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and we often end up booking flights home at the same time and get to “chill in the D” together. There is something very creative, raw and inspiring about home, not to mention the thrift stores there are always full of amazing finds!
Best tip: Always pack light or bring an empty suitcase.
Psst…One time…
Rachel made Paulina watch Twilight on the plane over to Australia-aghhk!
Sosume Autumn Winter 2010 collection
Sosume Autumn & Winter Collection 2010 continue with luxurious eco-friendly basics, featuring form, function and fashion align in the shape of diaphanous tops, harem pants and slinky dresses that fit like a second skin. The ‘transeasonal’ pieces are a style statement on their own, ideal for layering an individual aesthetic. The signature palette of black, white and grey returns, and the most popular summer pieces will carry over for the coming season. New standout pieces include a luxe long line cardigan, and hooded sleeveless version, with a number of pieces designed to be unisex.
The mecho team invites you to continue the conversation below with the PP and Rach from NYC… Make it fun! Post comments with your own free personal Gravatar
NOTE: ARCHIVE ONLY from FEB-10. You may leave a comment but please note Paulina & Rachel are no longer actively responding to any questions post 28 FEB-10.
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7 comments
7 Comments Add your own
1.
Alex! | February 1st, 2010 at 7:44 am
Hey here is my question! How do Rachel and Paulina maintain such a high level of awesomeness at all times?
2.
Mark | February 1st, 2010 at 1:47 pm
How good does it feel having a label before even graduting from FIT?!
3.
mischa | February 4th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
hey gals,
how did you find the money to start an international label when still studying?? looking forward to see your next collection! xxx
4.
Sosume | February 8th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Being able to have creative freedom and design things that people will actually wear is incredible. It’s actually like living a double life since we are still in school! Teachers don’t give any slack!
5.
Tash | February 9th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
I read that Sosume has designers based in different cities – how does that work and do you meet up often?
6.
Lou | February 9th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Where the best pizza in Brooklyn?
7.
Sosume | February 12th, 2010 at 8:23 am
All of us live in different places, btwn NYC and Australia. Fortunately, Rachel and I live in the same neighborhood so we get to work with each other. We do travel to meet up a couple times a year and work with each directly, and sometimes stay in either place for extended time periods as well.
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