An interview with maker Ilke Usluca Design as part of our 'Get to Know...' series.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business…
Ilke Usluca Design designs conscious textiles made with zero-waste policies, meaning without generating any textile waste. All the prints are designed and the products are handmade by Ilke in her studio. She tries to combine deadstock fabrics or upcycled fabrics with her print designs, to give them a second chance. Consciousness, quality, and multi-functionality are among the core values of the products, and with a strict zero-waste policy she is aiming to help cut down pre-consumer waste for a positive impact on the environment.
Where are you based?
London.
How do you make your work?
The main unique point about our products is I make them from A to Z. I design the prints and handmake all the products without generating any textile waste.
Furthermore, I try to combine deadstock fabrics with my print designs, to give them a second chance. All our products are for conscious customers who care about the world and love multi-functionality.
Describe your studio…
It is spread into our house where I live with my partner. Partly in the living room, partly in our spare room. My dear Jack (flatbed sewing machine) is located in front of the window where it is getting the perfect daylight - and me being a little bit untidy things can be found anywhere and everywhere, but they have their own chaotic system of being in order!
Tell us about your materials - where do you source them from and are they important to you?
Materials are all sourced from England, I try to choose conscious materials like bamboo silk, and linen which are good for the earth but also have no cruelty in them. Bamboo silk is a vegan material that is made without animal cruelty.
Why is it important to you that your work is made as responsibly and sustainably as possible?
I believe us designers need to make conscious choices, to also educate the public about the importance of sustainability. We are at a crossroads in our existence, where climate, recycling, and pretty much anything is becoming a huge problem. In order to minimise these we all have to make conscious choices but unfortunately, it is something still we need to learn more about. So, as a designer and maker, I believe it is my duty to offer sustainable and responsible products to people and advocate for the world.
How and why did you start your small business?
After working in the fashion industry for about 8 years, and witnessing the incredible amount of waste and carelessness, I wanted to change it. I realised key decision makers needed to make the right decisions to change the collections and minimise the waste - yet they were the ones who were not caring. So I stepped out and started my own business where caring and consciousness are at the core.
Any fun facts about your business, or achievements you want to shout about?
Prior shop was my first stockist, the first shop that believed in my products!
Now I have 7 across the UK, yay.
What do you love most about your small business and do you have a favourite piece of work?
I love that I also get to learn something new every single day. I have to learn and grow to pass that information to people! I love this journey.
I love cutting and sewing eye masks. But I love pattern cutting mostly, where I calculate each fabric and make a map out of it first to keep the waste to a minimum. It is challenging in terms of mathematics but I love that!
What do you think are the benefits of people supporting independent business?
Discovering small and beautiful brands rather than mass-produced items that can be found anywhere.
Finding unique gifts, joining and supporting the maker's journeys!
What are your favourite things about PRIOR - both as a customer and a supplier?
I love Verdekin / Polly's products, beautiful range!
Tell us about your favourite purchase from a fellow maker. What is it and who made it?
Sadly I haven't been a customer but a couple of friends said they spotted my products among other amazing and well-made products, which is an honour to be included in this special store!
As a maker, I am proud of being there and having a chance to be seen in such an amazing location.
Do you have a goal for where you’d love your business to be in the future?
To be in more shops, to see people making conscious choices when buying, to help people understand the possibility of the textile industry becoming zero-waste as opposed to the common belief that zero-waste is impossible.
View Ilke Usluca Design's handmade collection at Prior Shop here.
