Jodie Tian might only be 20 years old, but she is already making waves in the Melbourne fashion world with her new brand Heart Couture.
As a maker and designer, Jodie sees herself as a creative first; someone who can turn her creativity towards many mediums.
“I use the term maker as an umbrella term to describe what I am. Fashion is one of the mediums in which I create,” Jodie explains.
“I am passionate about breathing life into my designs taking them from conception to creation. The process of iterative design and the painstakingly delicate creation process is incredibly rewarding.
“I am always chasing that feeling of looking at something, and knowing it is from your mind and entirely unique the fact that you alone have brought something new into existence.”
Despite launching her brand Heart Couture in 2023, Jodie says that it has been a “long time in the making”.
“It is an ongoing process as I want to share what I am working on and document it as my creative handwriting develops. I have always been creating fashion ever since I remember.
“From layering scarves and long beaded necklaces and tittering on too big heels in my mum’s closet, to embroidery in high school and now through my degree in uni.
A FASCINATION WITH FASHION FROM THE HEART
“Fashion has always fascinated me as I feel like it is one of the only artforms that is intertwined within so many facets of life and other forms of art,” Jodie explains.
“Fashion, no matter your level of interest, is a decision making process that everybody takes part in everyday. I love how architectural and sculptural it is, it feels so dynamic and tangible.
“It is a form of visual storytelling as costume design; it can tell a story or send a message without words. Fashion reflects the current culture and climate, a form of protest, a representation of the wearer’s disposition or how they want to be perceived.
“Fashion is powerful, constant and ingrained in everything. It is so much more than frivolity or just fabrics to keep us warm.
“I wanted to create my own brand to cultivate my love for fashion. And share my visual language through unique garments that provoke thought and are cherished.”
Jodie’s brand, Heart Couture, is based on a very personal idea and incorporates her cultural and family background.
“My chinese name is 心 (xin) which translates to heart. I am the youngest of three sisters so I think that in a way, everybody has a bit of a soft spot for me.
“My parents would always say that I am their heart, and they would share with me this Chinese saying; that I am ‘the fabric that is worn closest to the skin when layering in winter’ — all of which to say, that I am close to their heart.
“The Tian sisters all have the same structure to their names with only the middle character being different. My oldest sister’s name means rain, as she was born in the rain. My dad had to bike to the hospital with my mum in the back in pouring rain. And the name fits her, she’s resilient and always makes the best of her situation.
“My second older sister’s name is from a poem about an elegant and graceful lady. She always carries herself with grace and poise. She is a leader and therefore is very charming and people are drawn to her.
“So our namesakes were prophetic in a way. I’ve always wondered if we are the way we are because of our names, or we got our names because of the way we are. It’s sort of a chicken or the egg scenario.
“All I know is that I am made better by my family and the love and warmth that they give me is something I want to be embedded in the brand name.”
Cleverly, Jodie explains that her label’s name is also a fun play on the fashion term ‘Haute Couture’.
“This name reflects the tongue in cheek element of the brand that attempts to have an emphasis on a sense of humour, and a less intimidating or exclusive culture. The ‘couture’ in the name references the one of a kind and slow fashion making of the brand, which delivers high quality and thoughtful garments that toe the line between art and fashion.
“When I create, although the ideas are from my brain, my hands are the ones that are the makers and my eyes see my vision. My art has always felt like it comes directly from the heart. Thus Heart Couture was born.”
Heart Couture was launched alongside Jodie’s final capstone assignment for her fashion degree at Collarts: “I debuted my collection at the showcase night which was a collection of four looks created over the course of 12 weeks.”
INSPIRED BY THE WORLD
Jodie explains that she is as inspired by the world around her as she is by some of the most iconic of history’s fashion designers.
“I love the historically inspired designs of Vivienne Westwood, especially the opulence of the bridal collections. I also appreciate how the garments are tied with revolution and used as a form of protest.
“I love the designer Guo Pei, how she combines eastern and western historical silhouettes, with intricate details and each piece is a work of art.
“I am also inspired by the world around me, other forms of art, history and concepts. For example my beaded dress is inspired by topographical maps and sailor’s Valentines.”
According to Jodie, her brand is a “reflection of my artistic journey”.
“I plan to sell or rent out my unique creations made from reclaimed fabrics and materials. I will release garments in drops or collections that may be purchased or lent out online. Each garment will be unique depending on the fabrics available and the inspirations and purpose.
“Heart Couture’s aesthetic is a mixture of vintage and fantasy inspired silhouettes. Including whimsical elements and romantic details.
“There is also an emphasis on more maximalist and opulent textures to the garments reflecting the painstaking craftsmanship involved. A signature motif is heart shaped elements to pay homage to the namesake.”
CREATING TREASURED HEIRLOOMS
One of the unique aspects of Jodie’s work is her use of not only vintage and deadstock fabrics, but also the way she upcycles pre-existing garments and accessories. She takes items that have been ‘thrown away’ and recreates them into garments that appear luxurious.
“Sustainability is a core value and focus of the brand. The fabrics and embellishments are sourced from existing garments and deadstock fabrics, meaning that I am diverting waste from landfill and breathing new life into fabrics.
“The brand takes part in product stewardship and employs a take back system in which customers can return their garments that can then be resold or taken apart and reinvented.
“However because of the quality of the garments, customers are more likely to take care of the garments so that they may become treasured heirlooms.
“Waste management is also considered, every fabric scrap will be saved and used as stuffing for sculptural accessories,” Jodie says.
Working alone can sometimes be restrictive though, which is why Jodie [pictured above left] has reached out to work with other emerging Melbourne designers, which she loves.
“I hope to keep creating and collaborating with other designers. Currently I am working on two looks for a collaborative runway with 12 designers. As well as working on outfits for a band’s photoshoot.
“I would love to explore costume design and perhaps collaborate with a production to create the costumes.
“I want to continue to put myself and my art out there and hope to do more commissions and perhaps some markets.”
You can follow Jodie Tian’s creative journey at @heart.couture_
Discover more fabulous fashion brands in our Stories Section
