Watch: designer James Bush on constructing and caring for clothes that last a lifetime
23 August 2022
Fashion Quarterly
Designed for life: in our recent Instagram live, emerging designer James Bush discussed his approach to sustainable garments and their care — with the help of Miele's specialist laundry appliances. Watch the video below.
Produced in partnership with Miele.
Aotearoa fashion designer James Bush has always been drawn to making things, growing up around architects and artists. Working as a design assistant and patternmaker in various ateliers across Paris and Brussels, it was here that he mastered the art of dressmaking, informing his meticulous approach to long-wearing garments and his namesake ‘Collection 1, 2022’.
Fusing principles of menswear tailoring and feminine draping, Bush’s inaugural ten-piece collection was designed with “intelligent and influential women” in mind, discerning customers with an appreciation for sophisticated, understated, and long-lasting workwear.
Integral to Bush’s ethos is sustainability. “I want to make garments that are too good to throw away,” he says. “In my design process I consider every cut, seam, collar and cuff to create well-made garments that will endure in both their timeless style and construction.”
Bush believes that garment care is key to the longevity of his clothing — everything from storage, cleaning, airing, pressing and drying. “Look after a garment properly, and it’ll look after you,” says Bush. “My designs tend towards tailoring, but this doesn’t mean they are difficult to care for.”
And with the Miele Washing Machine WWV 980 and Dryer TWV 780, caring for and cleaning tailored pieces has never been easier, including for precious silk and wool garments. “Miele have really specific care cycles, and ways of looking after garments, which is going to totally change the game,” explains Bush. “The reality is the vast amount of fabrics can be delicately hand washed; they don’t need to be dry-cleaned”. Miele has also produced a range of detergents matched perfectly for its machines and garments requiring specialist care, including wool.
FQ’s editor-at-large Nicole Saunders talks to Bush about his carefully thought-out design process, his understated approach to clothing, and how to launder his clothing to ensure its longevity. Watch the video to discover more.
