You've come a long way to find emptiness; under lights that never go out we walk away and focus on the change. A fashion story photographed in Berlin by Marco Giuliano and styled by Anca Macavei with unique crochet designs by Sougarees.
Can you give us an insight into Sougaree, how did it all come about and who is the creative behind it?
I was captivated by art since i can remember, i was painting and sketching from a really young age and i did study Interior Architecture and design. Throughout my studies i got the opportunity to learn about textile art and i was fascinated. As i was finishing my studies i started searching for a good university to continue studying Fashion design but an unfortunate event stopped my from following my dream. Well, i guess your destiny will always find you. There was a period in my life that i had the free time and so i started my research to learn more about fashion design and that was the starting point. Crochet came when i had an idea for a top i wanted to make for myself. I devoted myself to it, i was so inspired by the maintenance of a past technique such as crochet and what is driving my creativity is the interest i find while trying to renaissance the technique to modern figures and patterns. That’s how Sougaree was created. From day one up to now everything i do i do by myself from the idea to the design to the creation, i know at some point I’m going to need some help but right now I’m enjoying it!
Who do you design for?
To be honest, I love seeing my designs worn by people who are fine with who they are, people who are not afraid to feel and express themselves. I know my pieces are different and sometimes controversial and i don’t expect everyone to love them and wear them, I’m ok with that! I just want people to feel something, whatever the feeling. I think the world constantly tries to make us all the same inside-out and i say it’s great to have diversity. Do not be afraid to feel and express those feelings, it’s what is you, own it and be it. And wear Sougaree. I’m just kidding!
You have Greek origins, is this reflected in your designs in any way?
I think it would be reflected even if i didn’t want it to be. I grew up in Greece and I’ve seen almost the whole country throughout my life. I was raised by Greek people and that culture is rooted deep inside of me, I even learned the crochet technique that I’m using from my family in Greece, its part of our tradition and cultural memory. I also get inspired by the country itself and its beauty. I definitely draw inspiration from a million other things and places, feelings and my life in general but my origins are surely a part of my inspiration.
Does your personality have similarities in any way with the current mood of your brand?
This took me a long time to figure out but definitely yes. I truly put my heart and soul to my work and sometimes looking back at every design it all makes sense to me, i even understand myself more and more everyday through my work. For me, art is a way of expressing ourselves and we absolutely need it in our lives. There is always some thinking behind every design and whole collections, but the basic idea is inspired by my emotions and what I’m going through in my life. I do take decisions based on my own experience and I’m creating using my heart and imagination, i don’t like to search and see what everyone else is doing cause it’s a distraction – i don’t want that. Everything you see is 100% me.
How important are sustainability and ethical practices to you?
I am aware that what we are doing as humans and with our businesses have an impact to our environment and as it is our responsibility to reduce that impact i find it pretty important to do our best for our planet. As an owner of a clothing brand i do my best to support by using materials that are not harmful to our environment. My whole clothing collection is made by 100% recycled cotton and I’m not using any plastic for any reason. Sougaree is also a made-to-order brand which means there is no over-investing in stock and that leads to zero waste. I know I’m not perfect and i have a long way ahead of me but i’m doing my research and i aim to have a thorough knowledge of what I’m supporting and try to improve in a sustainable way
You currently design clothing and accessories pieces made by using the crochet technique. Looking ahead, where do you see your brand in the future?
Currently, i am obsessed with what I’m working on and i feel like i have a lot more to give. However, i may using the crochet technique exclusively but that doesn’t mean I’m not doing my research on how i can use different materials, textiles and textures in hope to combine them with what I’m doing. I just need to make sure i can remain authentic to myself and to what I represent before doing anything different. With that being said, i honestly want my brand to be seeing by more and more people, i am eager to have some further feedback and interaction with as many people as possible all around the world. I do trust in Sougaree and i believe it won’t take me somewhere I’m not suppose to be.
Tell us a secret.
You’re asking a Scorpio to reveal a secret. Sorry, but I have to protect our reputation.
Credits:
Location: Riad Sakkan / @riadsakkan
Editor & Photo: Marco Giuliano / @marcogiulianoph
Production & Styling: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei
Models: Kaela, Sophie / @kaeladeshae @sophiexlavigne
