Welcome to my Friday treat (Happy Friday!). A couple of days ago I got to speak to Jolet Ucchino, the designer behind the innovative Melbourne label Jolet. Featuring beautiful tailoring with one of kind silhouettes and highly individual pieces I was intrigued to find out where these shapes came from. I wasn’t surprised to find out that Jolet has a background in graphic design with a honours degree in graphic design- that explains her finely tune eye for balance and shape.

I spoke to Jolet about her new summer range, her background and her favourite pieces….

Tell me a bit what path led you to starting your Label, Jolet ?

I started the label after completing a clothing production course at Box Hill Tafe in June of last year. Prior to that, I completed an Honours degree in Graphic Design at RMIT. I couldn’t stand the idea of working in front of a computer all day, every day, so I decided to change direction and use my design skills in fashion instead. 

JOLET the label, (pronounced ‘Yolette’) has a signature style that plays with edgy, sophisticated design, clever tailoring and quirky details. It may be my graphic design background that has instilled in me a constant pursuit for the perfect balance of originality and practicality. Garments are versatile, sculptural and comfortable with special attention to high quality fabrics. I strongly believe in supporting locally made product and the local manufacturing industry (what’s left of it) therefore all the garments are Australian made, mostly in Melbourne.

What inspired your spring/summer 2009 range ‘Ode to Innocence’ ?

Ode to Innocence pays tribute to a time when the heart was untainted and full of romantic optimism. Anything was possible. I use soft, circular shapes repeated throughout the range to reflect a shy femininity. Whist ice blue, the highlight colour of the collection, symbolises buoyancy and youthfulness.

My favourite piece would have to be the high waisted Farrah Skirt. It’s so flattering to wear and the scalloped panels make for an interesting feature. It’s a piece that’s versatile and can be worn as a casual summer skirt to the beach or a spunky skirt out at night. Another favourite of mine is the Blade dress. In particular, it’s the sculptural shoulders and hip detail that create a contrast to the soft and draping viscose body.

You pieces and ranges are so individual and a little bit quirky, tell me about where you get your ideas?

Designing is a very emotive and introspective process for me. I often design to express emotions and feelings and tend to design a range entirely on how I may see myself at the time.  Another influence is people. Random people I may come across or meet. Often people with a unique style or quirky personality will inspire me.

Tell me a bit about the Jolet girl who is she?

The Jolet girl is creative, intelligent and quietly confident. She can be flirtatious and cheeky. She’s sometimes shy, and quiet in crowds. She’s inspired by the avant-garde and appreciates subtleties in design and timelessness. She seeks to express her own sense of style with edgy sophistication.

Jolet is stocked in the following Melbourne boutiques. Eliana - Balaclava (03) 9527 6275, Lupa - Northcote (03) 9481 1614, Eliana Design - St Kilda (03) 9534 1458, Monk House Design - East Brunswick (03) 9381 1191 and Pussycat Black - Brunswick (03) 9387 2129.