On Our Radar: Sevali, The Upcycled Couturist That's A Favourite With Blackpink
It is not everyday that you come across a recycled couture label, but here we are. You may have previously spotted Sevali’s designs on Jennie and Lisa in their latest music videos Lovesick Girls and Ice Cream. But this rising Chilean designer is also a favourite amongst other hip musicians and stars, such as Doja Cat and Alexa Demie.
In Lovesick Girls, Lisa wears an upcycled sneakers top while she sings of heartbreak and lovesickness, while Jisoo looks ethereal in the rain in a Sevali upcycled slip dress.
At the most recent Savage Fenty show, singer Rosalia showed up in a custom made Sevali -- in a colourful logo set, a spin from Louis Vuitton’s multicoloured monogram. With such a unique vision, in eye catching, playful designs it is no wonder Sevali has become a favourite amongst some of our globe's hottest pop stars.
Scroll ahead to find out more about the label.
Its helmed by creative director Sebastian A. de Ruffray
Born in Santiago, Chile, Sebastian completed his Bachelor’s degree at Milan’s Instituto Marangoni, and interned at Alexander McQueen. He later pursued an MA at prolific fashion school Central Saint Martins. He settled in Paris, working for a few brands before venturing on his own with Sevali, and cites Corinne Day, Martin Margiela and McQueen as a few of his inspirations in fashion.
On Sevali’s aesthetic and brand
The brand labels itself as ‘upcycled couture.’ “we aim to push the limits of upcycling by experimenting with unusual materials, ultimately aiming to question the common practices of the fashion industry. Our pieces often feature aesthetic reinterpretations of dress codes from the 90’s and 00’s,” the designer told a UK publication in an interview.
The designer has a penchant for found objects: previous source materials include abandoned flower printed mattresses from the streets of Paris
These mattresses later underwent a long restoration process to become oversized jackets as part of their collection. Other materials include leather car seats, seat belts, leather bags upcycled pajamas, and more. This keeps with Sevali’s strong ecological focus where sustainable practises, such as the reuse of materials, are prioritized. Furthermore, found objects have been described by Ruffray to "have more powerful energy than clothes because people relate more to these objects."
His latest collection is an exploration of wearable art
04 was held in the gallery space of Lafayette Anticipations, featuring a finale where the final two pieces of fabric were stretched out across metal frames, and models engaged in the act of dressing up - presenting it as a performance and art piece. Silhouettes were inspired by the early-aughts, back when pleated mini skirts and baby tees witnessed its heyday.
He hopes to collaborate with BTS one day
... Ruffray said in an interview.
Check out some of the celebrities donning Sevali:
Jisoo in Sevali upcycled pink dégradé knitted dress
Doja Cat
Euphoria actress Alexa Demie
Kim Petras
