Jade BLEVIN
Grey Sheep
Location
paris / france
University
ifm - institut français de la mode
Graduation year
2023
Latest Collection
"What shocks me is the initial dualism. In his metaphysical madness, the Greek thinker separated notions that were considered complementary in other civilizations: culture and nature. This is what we call dualism. Women were associated with nature [...] and men with culture."
Mary, L'Écoféminisme en questions - Pascale D'Erm
Ecofeminism thus links the ecological crisis to patriarchy, postulating that the mechanisms of domination that engender the destruction of nature and the oppression of women are similar.
While ecofeminism associates these different forms of oppression, in my collection I wanted to transcribe these links by creating a meeting of two diametrically opposed universes: workwear, particularly military, and lingerie from the 40s.
The delicacy, meticulousness and detail of this lingerie blend with the robustness, utility and functionality of workwear.
The idea is to create a singular, heterogeneous universe made up of different influences and inspirations.
To illustrate this point, the character of Nausicaä is my main muse. Appearing for the first time in Greek mythology in Homer's Odyssey as the Pheacian princess (of the marine world), this character was re-adapted in Miyazaki's film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. She is an inspiring, courageous, intelligent and pacifist figure. The film tackles current issues such as the importance of the environment and the need for peace, but it also questions human nature and how individuals can find happiness and meaning in their existence.
In my opinion, Nausicaä is the perfect embodiment of the ecofeminist movement.
Inspired by this character, the women and girls in my collection are free, comfortable with their bodies and femininity, and aware of environmental issues. The multi-generational cast, including a little girl, is a personal projection of a tumultuous journey of self-knowledge to appreciate and embrace one's femininity.
As both lingerie and workwear are worlds with their own remarkable codes, my approach was not to confront them, but rather to create a crossroads, an encounter between the two through their know-how.
In this way, know-how and craftsmanship are also at the heart of my collection. An eco- responsible approach is indeed an important and essential point for me.
So we find Calais lace, upcycled tablecloths and placemats, and even sails salvaged from a boat. The blending of these fabrics, combined with finishing touches, embroidery and other ennoblements, creates a singular, paradoxical universe.
The artist Joana Vasconcelos, who combines the use of everyday objects and the know-how of her culture with a feminist discourse, was a great inspiration for me. For my part, the various silhouettes feature recycled fittings as clasps, jewelry and bag handles, paying homage to my native Brittany.
It was through these values that my collection Et les femmes continuent de rêver was born. This collection was created to celebrate the beauty and strength of women, while emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.