MEET THE FINALIST: RUAN JOOSTE

6 Jul 2012
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Next up in our lists finalists in the ELLE Rising Star Design Award in association with Mr Price competition is Ruan Jooste.

When did you know that fashion design was what you wanted to do? When I was still very young, I think five or six, I used to sketch my mom wearing different dresses. They were really ugly dresses but I drew a lot of them. I don’t think I knew then what a fashion designer was but I knew that I wanted to create beautiful clothing.

Tell us one thing we need to know about you as a designer?

I always stay true to myself. I don’t like people who are pretentious.

How did you feel when you heard that you are one of the finalists?

When I received the news my first reaction was to think how lucky I am to have been chosen as a finalist. It’s nice to be a part of a constellation of fashion designers who are out there. You definitely go into something like the ELLE Rising Star Design Award with the intention of winning.

What do you think differentiates your collection from the others’?

My collection is very much about the actually shapes and design without over-designing the concept. It is not about the frills or flashy items for me. I used a neutral palette focusing all the energy on the design.

When it comes to working, are you a night owl or an early bird?

I work till very late at night. I’m not a morning person at all.

What do you listen to while you work?

Elton John (basically anything I can sing along to).

Describe your favourite outfit?

T-shirt, black military cargo pants, cherry-red Dr. Martens, beanie and a pair of cool teal shades.

If design weren’t an option, what would you have done?

I’ve never had a plan B, but if I had to do something else I probably would enjoy being a veterinarian.

What would winning this award mean for you?

I feel that I have something new to add to the fashion industry in SA and I really want to influence the business of fashion. It would mean a lot to me to contribute to the fashion industry in SA. The award will give me a stronger voice and a larger platform to show my talents and skills.

How did you get into design? (self-taught/studied/interned?)

After school I went to study fashion design at Tswhane University of Technology. I did a few internships with local fashion designers where I wasn’t taught a lot and I was actually turned off by the industry. However, I went back, started teaching myself and improved my skills. Since then I’ve been extremely determined.

First fashion memory?

I was in high school when I attended a fashion show for the first time. One of my brother’s friends asked me help out at a show at his campus. It was really more a party than a show but I still thought it was the coolest thing ever, especially because Lebo Mathosa performed on the evening.

Who would you love to dress?

Lenny and Zoë Kravitz. I have always been a huge fan of Lenny Kravitz’s style. He’s one of the few men who pushes the boundaries of fashion. Zoë Kravitz is amazingly beautiful and I love her approach to dressing.

 

Look out for the rest of our finalists next week. 

 

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