Story

Class of 2017: BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles Print graduate Jue Djalo

Written by
Josh De Souza Crook Published date
20 June 2017

Our LCFBA 17 season continues with BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles: Print graduate Jue Djalo, who grew up in the small Portuguese town of Barreiro, just outside Lisbon, and ended up moving to London for his love of the city. We discuss colourful print, Brexit and being influenced by African culture and design.

BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles: Print graduate Jue Djalo for LCFBA17.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the moment you knew you wanted to study fashion?

I am Jue Djalo, originally from Portugal and 24 years old. I have always been interested in arts but never had the opportunity to study an art course back in Portugal. However, after I finished high school, I travelled to London and I just LOVED the diversity of cultures and freedom here. I researched the all the different courses here and I applied for different ones – luckily I got into LCF, it was a dream come true. I actually got a place for print and embroidery but I decided to do print and now I am sure it was the best decision ever.

BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles: Print graduate Jue Djalo for LCFBA17.

Talk us through your final collection…

My final project is inspired by the theme Misplaced Forms which explores a new way of looking at print design. It exploits a print ‘error’ in new fashion, i.e. deliberately leaving gaps instead of fully printing the fabric. It is the idea of creating an unfinished textile and combining it with unusual materials and print techniques. The concept of placing something new into a different environment.

What techniques or theories did you use to create your final piece of work?

I used different print techniques such as flock, foil and bonding of materials. Photography manipulation was also an important aspect of my project.

: BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles: Print graduate Jue Djalo for LCFBA17.

: BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles: Print graduate Jue Djalo for LCFBA17.

Have you undertaken any work experience or done a placement whilst at LCF? Where and how did you secure this work experience or placement?

Yes! I did an internship at Lara Gorlach Studio in Hackney. I got this place from a good friend of mine Margarida dos Santos, who did an internship there before and advised me to do it as well. It was amazing as I had the opportunity to improve my printing skills drastically after the work placement.

Describe your work and aesthetic in five words…

Bold, Colourful, Original, Tactical, and Graphic.

BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles: Print graduate Jue Djalo for LCFBA17.

What influences your style and work?

My work is mainly influenced by Africa, nature and sportswear. I enjoy working with different materials and medias. Colour is also very important in my work.

What are your plans for the future? How do you think your course and LCF will help you achieve this?

After graduating I intend to work for a textile print company, do paid internships or take a graduation scheme which will allow me to gain a better understanding of how the fashion industry works. Working for companies like H&M, Adidas, Nike, Dries Van Noten, Gucci or Kenzo. I am conscious of the problems that textile industries bring to the planet and I aim to change it! I am planning to be part of a team where I can learn more about sustainability and fashion.

In the short term, I also intend to do freelance work and/or sell my own products for big and small businesses. It would be interesting to create illustrations for magazines/art exhibitions. I like helping others, therefore, some of my career aspirations would be working as part of a university as a teacher or adviser for students alongside my own business. I would also consider doing an MA course after working in the industry, hoping it will also guide me towards defined aims for my future. Have studying at LCF gave me different skills also the help and advice of teachers will help achieve my goals.

: BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles: Print graduate Jue Djalo for LCFBA17.

: BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles: Print graduate Jue Djalo for LCFBA17.

: BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles: Print graduate Jue Djalo for LCFBA17.

Have you heard that LCF is moving to east London? What do you think about the move?

Yes, I knew that LCF is moving to east London which is really exciting because that is where everything is happening! It is a very inspirational area for arts and fashion. So many galleries, studios, unique shops and bars – it is just wonderful.

What music do you listen to whilst you’re working? Is there one particular track or artist that you like?

I don’t stick with a style of music I like to listen to everything! However most of the times I listen to Reggae, Afrobeat, Kizomba, and R&B. My artists of the moment are Richie Campbell, Bob Marley and Alicia Keys, I love their lyrics. They are so intensive, it really inspires me to keep a positive and a good vibe. My favourite track of the moment is “Knock me out” by Richie Campbell and Sara Tavares, just beautiful.