Julie Pelipas, former fashion director at Vogue Ukraine, won in 2023 the Karl Lagerfeld LVMH prize. Her brand, Bettter, is an up-cycling system that reuses clothing from clearance sales and produces inclusive garments. For the exclusive capsule « Parisian Playground » of 24S, Julie designed a silhouette that is both powerful and playful as an ode to the Parisian woman. Modern and sporty, the suit made from dead-stock fabric is paired with a zipped jacket for a contrasted look in grey and neon yellow.

Iris Jeanson You mentioned the lifestyle of Parisian women and mothers inspired you for this “Parisian Playground” 24S x Prix LVMH collaboration. Could you explain your vision?

Julie Pelipas Drawing inspiration from the effortless elegance and chic lifestyle of Parisian women and mothers, the vision for this collaboration is to create a collection that embodies the spirit of modern Parisian living. It’s about capturing the balance between sophistication and practicality, offering pieces that are both stylish and functional for the everyday life of busy women.

IJ How does Bettter’s focus on upcycling and inclusivity translate into the pieces you created for this collection?

JP Better’s focus on upcycling is reflected in the pieces created for this collection through thoughtful design choices and smart design algorithms that we apply to each deadstock item when creating our garments.

IJ You were the Co-founder of Harper’s Bazaar Ukraine (2008) and Vogue (2013). Could you say how did your background in fashion journalism influence your approach to design?

JP I was a Senior fashion editor in Harper’s Bazaar and Fashion Director in Vogue magazine and the main influence was that I’ve had a chance to meet incredible people during my journey in media. But the turning point was the moment I realized how fast and hectic the fashion industry is. I’ve decided to challenge the system and work on eliminating the impact it has on our planet. Then I discovered upcycling as a method to deal with deadstock and started my Bettter journey.

IJ How did you infuse the essence of Parisian life into your designs for the collection? What is Paris for you?

JP Infusing the essence of Parisian life into the designs involves paying homage to the city’s iconic style elements—think timeless silhouettes, understated elegance, and a hint of nonchalant attitude. Paris, to me, represents a blend of culture, romance, and sophistication, which are all reflected in the collection through color palettes, and design details.

JP You worked on this project with Satoshi Kuwata and Luca Magliano. Were you able to share your creative visions? Did you influence each other ?

Unfortunately we did not collaborate on these collections but we have spent a year in the LVMH mentoring program and I feel very inspired by these talented creatives. We found common ground in our appreciation for craftsmanship and innovation.

IJ What are your aspirations for Bettter’s future?

JP Our aspirations for Bettter’s future are centered around continued growth and innovation in upcycling. We aim to expand our reach and impact, fostering a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about technological and conscious fashion. Through ongoing research and collaboration, we strive to push the boundaries of upcycling design, proving that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible.

Credit Photo : Better for Crash 100: Time Capsule

www.24s.com