How did you first get into sewing? Was it something you were interested in growing up, or did you discover it later in life?
I went to business school because I always wanted to start my own fashion brand, even though I didn't know how to sew. I taught myself, and I sewed my first prototype at 19: a multifunctional satin bikini/lingerie piece. I'm passionate about sustainability, so it's important to me that my pieces can be worn in more than one way.
Your work has such a distinctive vintage-inspired feel. How would you describe your creative style, and how has it evolved since you first started sewing?
At first I made more casual pieces, but as I got older my taste developed and I was drawn to vintage silhouettes and patterns. I've been an avid thrifter since I was 14, and I've always loved vintage design, so it naturally found its way into my work.
A big part of Puritiste is giving discarded fabrics a second life. Where did your interest in upcycling come from, and what do you enjoy most about working with materials that already have a history?
I saw a second life in the least popular aisle of every thrift store: the bedding section. So many amazing textiles sit there, headed for landfills. I've always wanted to design clothes, but the environmental impact of fashion kept getting in the way of that dream. Using discarded materials aligned with my values and my vision.
Some of your pieces start with something as unexpected as a bedsheet or a pillowcase. What makes you look at an ordinary piece of fabric and think, "I could turn this into something completely different"?
My friends say I have a good eye for potential, and they even joke that I'm their personal shopper. When I see a unique vintage pattern or a good-quality fabric, I see a second life for it. Sometimes the idea comes immediately, and other times the fabric sits in my closet for months until I know what it wants to be.
What do you enjoy making the most at the moment? Is there a type of garment you always find yourself coming back to?
I always come back to corsets, something about them calls to me. At the moment I'm working on a few stage outfits for Los Angeles-based performers, and I'm actively developing new adjustable designs similar to the pillow pants.
Your content is very visual, but you also share tutorials and teach people how to make your pieces themselves. How do you approach creating content that feels inspiring while still being genuinely useful to someone who wants to try sewing?
As a self-taught sewist, I love helping others learn the craft, but it can be challenging to balance being helpful with running a business. Some people tell me I shouldn't give away my secrets, but I see it differently: every person who makes a pair of pillow pants saves at least one bedsheet from a landfill. That makes me feel like I'm having at least a small impact on textile waste.
What inspires you when you start a new project?
It's hard to pin down, because the spark can come from any of those sources. Sustainability inspires me most. When I see a gorgeous vintage fabric, all I can think about is repurposing it. Recently I found a discarded couch on the curb, took the fabric off, and started turning it into a corset. I'm draping it on my Royal Dress Form now, and the result will be posted on my social media soon.
How important is the workspace itself to your creative process? Has the way you work changed as Puritiste has grown?
I started out working in the middle of my kitchen, using the island as a drafting table and the dining room as a sewing desk. I did the best I could with the limited resources I had and created wherever I could. Now that my business has expanded, it was a priority to move into a house with a dedicated sewing room. I also knew I needed to be where the action is, so I moved to Los Angeles, where stage performers are.
Before working with Royal Dress forms, what was your experience with dress forms?
The older model I used prior to working with Royal Dress forms had many flaws that made it difficult to use. Unlike my Royal Dress form, it was mostly made of cheap plastic, and the dress form itself was flimsy and wouldn't stay in place. I love that my Royal Dress form is durable and made with quality materials, including sturdy metal and foam filling that allows me to steam clothes directly on the dress form, unlike my older one that would melt.
You've built a brand around creativity, sustainability, and making things by hand. If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to start sewing but feels intimidated by the process, what would you tell them?
Nothing has to be perfect for you to start! I began at my kitchen table and taught myself, and you can too. Everything you need to learn is already on the internet. I recommend starting with cheap materials and not being afraid to try new things. That's how I ended up making the pillow pants!
Thank you Nikita Dube!
