New York: Seattle designer Janelle Abbott unveils her latest collection ‘Homesick’ at New York Fashion Week, focusing on sustainability and nostalgia. Influenced by childhood memories and pop culture, her designs merge vibrant patterns with inclusive styles, challenging traditional fashion norms and advocating for waste reduction.
Janelle Abbott, a Seattle-based designer renowned for her innovative approach to fashion, has recently debuted her latest collection “Homesick” at New York Fashion Week. Abbott, the creative force behind the label JRAT, is known for her commitment to sustainability and her imaginative use of materials, often sourced from reclaimed fabrics. This collection, which made its grand entrance in September 2024, was inspired by nostalgic memories of childhood and the comfort found in simple pleasures.
The Homesick collection emerged from the leftover materials of a previous dance performance showcased at Bumbershoot 2023. Abbott’s designs are marked by an adventurous spirit, combining bright, dense patterns with playful silhouettes that echo her influences from both the Seattle DIY scene and the avant-garde artistry of downtown New York. The garments exhibit a charming eclecticism, drawing on references from various pop culture phenomena, including the iconic film Clueless and the beloved television series Frasier, alongside a nod to children’s programming like The Big Comfy Couch.
Abbott’s unique perspective on fashion is evident in her philosophy toward garment creation. “Maximalism is a sustainability imperative,” she stated, emphasizing her belief in harnessing the abundance of material already existing in the world to prevent waste. With raw hems, open weaves, and oversized shapes, her garments embrace all body types, showcasing an inclusive approach to fashion that invites personal expression. Abbott mentioned that “everyone’s welcome” to wear her pieces, showcasing a sense of liberation in how they can be styled, even if it means wearing an outfit backward.
The creative process for Abbott involves a respectful upcycling of materials, where she sews, shreds, cuts, weaves, and paints each piece by hand, ensuring the minimization of waste. Her collections defy traditional fast-fashion cycles by prioritising craftsmanship and individualism over mass production. “This collection is a shredding of all those different ideas and how they accumulate to create a form that’s referential of something previous,” she remarked, illustrating her conceptual approach to nostalgia and memory in fashion.
Abbott’s collection, with its whimsical and vibrant aesthetic, presents a contemporary take on retro themes, proving that vintage influences can seamlessly blend with modern trends. By drawing on her unique childhood memories and embracing a sustainable mindset, Abbott aligns her designs with a growing movement in the fashion industry that seeks to reconcile style with environmental responsibility. In doing so, she demonstrates how timeless fashion brands can maintain relevance in today’s fast-paced world through innovation, creativity, and a deep connection to history and personal narrative.
Source: Noah Wire Services
