One of Melbourne’s original independent fashion designers, Jude Ng has been creating unique non-gendered clothing in his Fitzroy atelier for more than five years.
JUDE, his eponymous label, has become the favourite brand of the city’s fashionistas and the artist community since it launched fully in 2016. “Previous to that, I had created small capsule ranges and accessories under my namesake label,” he says.
Melbourne fashion designer Jude Ng in his atelier store in Fitzroy, Melbourne
“My love of fashion and textiles grew from a training in fine art, as a painter. I became more interested in the wearable aspect of art, which developed into costume making, which then eventually led to ready to wear fashion.
“I was always interested in fashion as an interactive artform, where art meets commerce and you get to see your creations come to life on the body and see how it affects people’s mood and lifestyle.
“I would describe myself as being involved in both processes – as designer and maker. I am a hands-on designer. I am a Designer/ Maker,” explains Jude.
INSPIRED BY HIS SURROUNDINGS
Jude says that the inspiration for his work comes from his surroundings, his neighbourhood of Fitzroy and its people.
“Watching the way people dress, what makes them tick; I’m also inspired by what I see on my travels – exploring shops, museums, galleries. I’m inspired a lot by fashion history and like to mix unexpected influences together to create something new.
“The self-taught and irreverent nature of Vivienne Westwood’s work, combined with her solid base in fashion history and tradition has always inspired me,” Jude says.
Jude’s creative inspirations has also informed the concept behind his brand JUDE: “The main concept is creating trans-seasonal, gender neutral slow fashion which is inclusive, artisan and ethically Melbourne made.”
While the concept of the brand was always clear, Jude admits that building the business wasn’t always easy.
“I definitely learned everything through trial and error! With no formal business background, I picked up everything as I went and used a lot of my personal instincts as to how I should run my business.The learning never ends!”
A CONTINUOUS SUSTAINABLE STORY
JUDE is known for its asymmetric, layered and multi-use design. Imagine pieces that can be worn in numerous ways, tops and jackets with removable sleeves, trousers with removable pieces to turn them into shorts and pieces that suit all body types.
“We are known for our asymmetric, unisex cuts, layering and the continuous story of our work which helps it to translate between seasons and lets our customer build their wardrobe with us through the years,” Jude explains.
“Our production process is carried out in Melbourne from start to finish, with design, pattern and sampling done in house, before it is produced by our ethical Melbourne makers.
“We also save all fabric remnants from production to create our zero waste accessories line.”
THE FUTURE OF MELBOURNE FASHION
With numerous Melbourne based fashion brands reducing production or closing down altogether, Jude notes that despite the current cost-of-living concerns, there is a strong future for the industry.
“I believe there has been a slow return to focus on local and Melbourne made labels post Covid, and though the economy is currently quite tough, I believe there is a strong future ahead for locally made Australian fashion in the near future,” he says.
For more information about JUDE, go to designbyjude.com, and follow the brand at @designbyjude. Shop the brand in real life at the store located at 252 Johnston Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne
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