We were lucky to catch up with Juliette Ferens recently and have shared our conversation below.

Juliette, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I created was a digital collection of knitwear clothing tailored to individuals with visual impairments. I integrated braille and other tactile elements into knit fabrics to facilitate independent dressing. I firmly believe that fashion possesses a deeper significance beyond visual appeal; it serves as a conduit for self-expression, especially during times of turmoil and uncertainty. However, the accessibility of fashion remains a glaring issue in the mass market.

This realization became clear when I began to lose my sight at age 20 in 2021 and was soon diagnosed with Chronic Anterior Uveitis, a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the middle of the eye. As a student at F.I.T., I struggled to explain my condition to my professors and often heard, “we are all struggling right now.” This left me feeling helpless, but I knew I needed to shift my mindset to confront this challenge head-on.

In grappling with my condition, between doctors and medications, I sought solace in my heritage, drawing strength from my family’s immigrant journey from Odessa, then the Soviet Union (now Ukraine), to the United States in the 1980s. As Jewish Soviet refugees, they endured hardships beyond comprehension, often being told they were “not deserving” of a better life due to their heritage. Despite this, they were driven to forge a better future for generations to come, which has always inspired me.

My family’s story brought me comfort during my distress, as it does now, amidst the spread of hatred fueled by false information on social media and the lack of fact-checking, common sense, and morality from my peers. Learning from history has become a priority, especially as I have experienced the same antisemitism on campus that my family faced for generations. It felt crucial to focus on what good I can do in this world through my art and designs.

I chose the tulip as my motif inspiration, a flower that grew every year in my Babushka’s garden. Inspired by its resilience, I created knit samples using a Brother flat bed knitting machine and ribber, along with digital samples like intarsias in the shape of tulips. I experimented with different techniques to create bumps in the textile to manipulate Braille letters, indicating parts of the garment such as “H” for Hem and “N” for Neck, aiding in dressing independently.

Fashion, for me, is not just about aesthetics but also about empowerment, enabling individuals to assert their identity and find joy in self-expression despite adversity. I found my color palette in the vibrant hues of nature and the mod-style influences of the 1960s, as told by my grandmother and seen in photos of her with her beehive hairstyle on my mood board. My designs pay homage to my cultural heritage and artistic inspirations.

Looking ahead, my goal extends beyond fashion; I aspire to instill confidence and advocate for the transformative power of clothing as a means of self-expression and education on its intrinsic value.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

From an early age, I was immersed in the vibrant world of New York fashion, thanks to my mother’s impeccable style and her job in Midtown Manhattan. Whenever I had a holiday from school, I eagerly joined her on the express bus to work, reveling in the energy of the city. New Yorkers express themselves through fashion fearlessly, and witnessing mid-2000s fashion firsthand inspired me deeply. It wasn’t just about trying on my mother’s heels; I wanted to learn how to create beautiful clothes.

As a staunch advocate for environmentalism and ethical consumption, I joined a sustainable fashion club in high school. We creatively used scrap materials to design clothes showcased in our self-organized runway shows. I recognize the need for significant changes in the fashion industry to preserve our Earth for future generations, and I am committed to contributing to that change.

Being a first-generation American, I grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and resourcefulness. My grandparents lived with us until I was 17, and I have vivid memories of my great-grandmother mending our clothes. Her ability to fix anything with thread was magical, and she never wasted anything, a habit from her time in the Soviet Union. Although she has passed, her wisdom continues to influence my craft today.

I maintain consistency and discipline in my craft and business by always returning to my “why.” Asking myself why I want to do this and why it fulfills my purpose on Earth keeps me grounded and focused. Currently, I provide freelance services in various areas of design. I have studied fashion design for almost 10 years and worked in the industry for four of them. As I embark on my senior year in college, I plan to remain a lifelong learner, gaining knowledge from every experience.

From Spring 2022 to Fall 2023, I took a year off from school to focus on my health. During that time, I worked for a fashion house in Tel Aviv, Israel, where I learned more in two months than I ever imagined. Although I love my home, this experience helped me grow into a better person. Working in the studio/store for Shahar Avnet, exploring the country, and connecting with family and new friends left a lasting impression on me.

In my personal work, I consider every aspect, including how my clothes make people feel. I collaborate with clients to solve problems and bring beautiful designs to life. While fashion is widely recognized as an art form, it is crucial that it remains functional. In my spare time, I am also a content creator, editing videos and photos of products, outfits, and my fashionista lifestyle. What started as a fun project on Instagram has grown into a wonderful community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

I am proud of the life I am building and believe it can only get better from here. I always have goals for self-improvement, benefiting those around me, and making a positive impact on the world. I hope my work inspires my customers to think highly of themselves when they get dressed in the morning, allowing them to carry that confidence throughout their day.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is seeing how people feel in the clothes I’ve made. Watching their genuine surprise and delight as they see themselves in the mirror, thinking “Wow, I look amazing in this,” brings me immense joy. It’s akin to being a Michelin-star chef and watching people truly savor the food you’ve prepared. There’s no greater satisfaction than knowing I’ve contributed to making someone feel good about themselves.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew more about the wonderful museums that surround me. Whether it’s a fashion exhibit or a fossil display, I find myself completely immersed in the museums of NYC. I love visiting them alone so I can quietly observe what catches my eye, delve into learning about each piece, and take my time without feeling rushed. Time seems to stand still in these places, but once I step back into the outside world, the inspiration and ideas pour out of me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://julietteferens.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliette.simone/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliette-ferens/

Image Credits

@ahava_binah , @juliette.simone