INTERVIEW Parisa Torkaman
PHOTOGRAPHY & GROOMING David K Shields
MODEL Karlow Aramoana at RED 11 – Model wears all J’AKE STUDIOS
Hailing from Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), and a member of the indigenous Māori community of New Zealand, emerging designer Jacob Coutie and his label J’AKE Studios have quickly garnered attention and a devoted following for his innovative approach to fashion. Seamlessly blending traditional Māori values with contemporary design aesthetics, his ethos centres on individuality, sustainability, and a profound respect for his whānau and cultural heritage. In accord with the principles of manākitanga, which emphasises hospitality, care and respect, he approaches his craft ensuring that each garment is made with care and consideration for both the wearer and the environment – a value that guides and reflects his own determination of self.
Jacob’s designs are a testament to his commitment to sustainability. By sourcing found and recycled textiles, he gives new life to materials that might otherwise be discarded – a practice that not only reduces waste, but also infuses each piece with a unique history and character. In combining these sustainable textiles with new materials, he creates unique garments that are both modern and deeply connected to the past. Each piece is created with thoughtful craftsmanship and carries within the history of its materials, espousing for the ethical practices he looks to uphold.
Through this innovative use of materials and his dedication to Māori values, Jacob is not just creating clothes but also crafting a movement that honours the past while paving the way for a more sustainable future. Envisioning a future of fashion where individuality and sustainability go hand in hand, he believes that clothing should not only look good, but also tell a story and leave a positive impact on the world.
As he continues to innovate and inspire on his personal design journey, Jacob is not just creating garments; he is weaving a narrative of sustainable fashion that honours the past, while looking boldly towards the future. His work is a testament to the power of cultural heritage and sustainable practices in shaping a more conscious and creative fashion landscape – something exemplified further within his personhood.
A man who prefers to let his work do the talking, he spoke briefly with Parisa Torkaman, adding a few choice words of his own to these images which exhibit just a little of his abounding creativity… Follow the link below for those concise answers!
Featured in It’s Interval TIMELESS – view full story and more from this issue!