Stunning
designs. Innovative lines. Passionate creativity. For fashion
sensation, Jolonzo Goldtooth, these aspects are all part of
a days work. This Dine designer is rapidly rising on
the couture scene, and this interview shows us why.
DK) Wow! Just Wow! I know I say wow a lot, but thats
what comes to mind when I see your creations! How did you
start creating?
Jolonzo) I officially started the JG Indie Collection
in the summer of 2012. I wanted to express myself through
art and I have always had a nostalgia for wearable art. Through
self altercations and maturity I gained the confidence and
felt the enlightened need to put needle to thread.
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DK) What flows through your mind as you create? Do you visualize
your designs first or create as you go? Share your process with
us?
Jolonzo) I start the design process with sketches of imagery
from dreams or random thought processes. The sketches help me as
a guideline, as to all the materials needed for the project and
a reference to the imagery I am trying to capture from my psyche.
Thereafter, its all a matter of imagining the garment on a
model and in motion. Through this procedure I see my work as wearable
art that expresses myself, my inspiration and overall my aesthetics.
DK) Who are some of the influences on your creations? Where
do you draw your inspiration? When you design, who do you have in
mind to wear what you make?
Jolonzo) My influences come from many major designers, I respect
there work and I am always mesmerized. I think to myself: wow, that
is art and beauty all summed up into a work that can be worn. This
inspires an encourages me to be creative and artistic without borders.
I draw my artistic inspiration from everyday life: cardio running
through the New Mexican desert, trips to other lands, art galleries,
intertribal experiences, history, etc.
When in the process of creating a garment I always imagine a
strong Native figure wearing my work. A individual who can identify
with myself, Indigenous Peoples and our rich, prideful, respectful
and influential culture.
DK) In your mind, whats the Golden Age of Fashion? Which
era do you like best? If you could design for anyone past or present,
who would it be? Why?
Jolonzo) I definitely attest to being a modernist, who is very
respectful of the past and is always looking forward to a balanced
future.
As a millennial I feel this generational label is reflected
in my work and that the golden age of fashion is now and what will
be in the future. We currently live in a world that is highly automatic
and global and I personally believe that there is no end all,
be all idea in trendy fashion anymore. We can attain pictures
and information via the World Wide Web so fast it influences our
personal fashion taste and encourages originality and authenticity,
the notion of one dominate style or trend is obsolete.
I would like to design a garment for a current public figure,
like our First Lady Michelle Obama. She is a renowned fashion icon
and a beautiful figure of a modern woman. When the day does come
that she wears a JG Indie garment, the satisfaction will not be
a personal but a shared achievement, with her political and global
influences, people will be able to gain insight to the continued
artistic accomplishments of the Native American/First Nations Peoples.
DK) Of all your creations, which are your very favorites? Describe
some of them for us and tell us why they are your favorites?
Jolonzo) I will describe three favorites that are my statement
and signature pieces.
Snow Leopard Queen: The Burgundy Obe belt is my very first creation
and is reminiscent of my feelings during summer 2012. We currently
live in a world that is consumer driven and wasteful. I saw a curtain
that was going to be thrown away and I asked if I could have it
as I was drawn to the color. I didnt see the material as a
curtain but as reusable fabric for something else, long story short,
it has been repurposed as a beautiful Obe belt in the Snow Leopard
Dress. This is the initial foundation of the JG Indie name and purpose;
Up.cycling Fashion. This Earth is sacred, precious and sensitive,
even in fashion we can reduce and reuse.
Birds of Paradise: In this creation I was influenced by the
many birds we see each day, and respect in our indigenous manner.
On the bust is a raven, who is entwined in many indigenous origin
stories.The skirting is a light and transparent fabric print, colorful
like our feathered friends, this dress pays ode to our sky messengers.
Salt Willow: I live in Northern New Mexico on my family ranch,
Pete Springs Ranch, it is located near a place called Gallegos Wash.
I am a habitual runner and there is nothing I love more than running
outdoors and cross country. I usually encounter Gallegos Wash everyday,
and one day I was intrigued by all the salt willows that stood out
in the white silted banks, and it dawned on me to use the naturalistic
setting as inspiration. This is my ode to the desert oasis of my
native lands.
DK) How can we own, order or enjoy more of your designs? Please
share your contact info!
Jolonzo) JG Indie in partnership with supporting agencies are
growing the brand and gaining support. Fall 2014 is the launch of
the website and new product, which will include couture clothing,
accessories, beadwork and screen print active wear.
Jolonzo) JG Indie is also featured in Native Max Magazine and
aesthetic images can be seen in the magazines past and current
issues.
As the designer and owner of the JG Indie Collection, I do take
special garment orders and can be contacted via email: jolonzo@gmail.com.
You can also like the JG Indie Facebook page
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