NEW AT OUR UNIVERSE: JAMES STREET X GRAY LABEL

Gray Label likes child & planet friendly products that are created from the heart. Therefore we invite other brands with similar values to join the Gray Label Universe. Whether made from raw -or natural materials, whether locally produced or with an extraordinary vision of any kind: these specially curated products bring something for the good.

Meet Jess, owner and designer of the brand James Street. From her home state Utah, USA, her mission is to make sustainable, well made knits that are unique and timeless.

Why knitwear?

I have always been a sucker for a good sweater. I am drawn to knitwear because it allows me to create something out of the most basic of materials, a spool of yarn. This creative yet rudimentary process really captures my attention—from sketching the conceptual design to knitting the piece to shape. Without patterns or pre-made fabrics, knitwear creation is engaging from start to finish.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Logan, a small mountain town in Northern Utah. I now live in Salt Lake City, but my husband (Paul) is always scheming on how to get us back to the ocean, so that could change. My career in design began in 2008 when I studied and practiced Interior Design. While I enjoyed the creative aspect, I knew it wasn’t where I wanted to be long term. I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of going to fashion school. While my husband was away on a ski trip in Alaska, I decided to apply for the Knitwear Design Program at FIDM and I was accepted by the time he got back. In a matter of months, we quit our jobs, sold our house and most of our belongings, and moved to Los Angeles. Honestly, thinking about it now I can’t believe Paul went along with it. But I am happy we did it because I am now pursuing my dream, James Street.

What is your favourite piece?

That’s tough. It depends on the day. I honestly try to make styles that I want to wear and hopefully become an everyday go-to. If I had to choose one favourite, it’s a toss-up between the Lowe Pullover and the new Holiday Faux Cardigan.

What do you wish for the world?

Having studied textiles and in the fashion industry now, I am conscious of every step of the process and how that contributes to waste and other environmental impacts. In order to limit my impact, I have decided to pursue quality over quantity. This route hasn’t been the easiest nor the cheapest, but it’s important to me. I believe that if we focus on simplifying and choosing sustainable garments we could have a positive impact on reducing waste.