Bora Aksu, formerly four time winner of the Topshop New Generation prize, tells People Tree founder Safia Minney why he loves green and Fair Trade fashion and partners with People Tree.
SAFIA MINNEY How did you first become aware of and interested in People Tree?
BORA AKSU It was through a Japanese Vogue collaboration that we did together in 2007. The idea was creating a design using specific fabrics and recycled Saris and the result was really impressive; which lead us into an ongoing working relationship.
SAFIA Have you noticed a difference whilst working with traditional handskills?
BORA When we first started collaborating, I actually realised how little I knew about the process. The more I got involved, the more I found out about their ways of working and I was really impressed by their finishing and their skills. The process is of course much longer compared to the deadline-obsessed clothing industry but you find ways and adapt to their way of working in time. Using the traditional hand skills in a totally new way is very refreshing and I find their work inspiring.
SAFIA Would you say that you’re green or ethical in your day to day life?
BORA I try to get as much info as I can through reading the packaging before I purchase anything. Although most of the time its hard to get enough info. I also must say that since working with People Tree my awareness has been totally diverted into a new channel. Also I personally noticed that many brands misuse words like Fair Trade, organic or ethical in their marketing – which does not reflect the truth most of the time but aims to add a ‘feel-good factor’ for the customers. Working closely with People Tree I now have a deeper understanding of the whole picture.
SAFIA What inspired your spring collection with People Tree? What is the inspiration behind the umbrella print?
BORA I went to India a couple of years ago, and in the middle of the day I got caught under the monsoon rain which was literally like having a shower with clothes on. I wished I was carrying an umbrella.
The idea of an umbrella in a warm summer day came from this memory.
