Fresh off an impressive runway showcase at Melbourne Fashion Festival this month Style Up caught up with talented First Nations designer Juanita Page.
The talented creative behind menswear brand Joseph & James, Page started the year strong with a runway at Melbourne Fashion Festival.
"We started this year with a strong focus on developing our upcoming collections, while also preparing for Melbourne Fashion Festival. The opportunity to participate in MFF came about through our ongoing relationship with the festival, which has been incredibly supportive of First Nations designers, especially through runways like Back in Blak championed by Mob In Fashion," Page told Style Up.
"Having shown at MFF previously, it was exciting to return with a collection that continues to push our vision for contemporary menswear. This year, we presented our latest collection, which builds on our signature tailoring while expanding into new fabrications and silhouettes. We also injected some new pieces into this show that are yet to become available as a fun way to showcase what's to come."
Page noted that while it is great to see the public supporting First Nations designers and brands it is an area requiring ongoing growth.
"There's definitely been more interest in menswear within the First Nations fashion industry, but it's still an area with huge potential for growth. While we're seeing more collaborations between brands and First Nations artists, dedicated menswear labels remain rare," she said.
"A lot of First Nations fashion leans into womenswear, so although there's a gap when it comes to menswear, it's encouraging to see more conversations happening around diverse expressions of First Nations fashion."
Page said a few new trends have caught her eye this year.
"Menswear is continuing to embrace relaxed tailoring, with softer shapes and unstructured suiting becoming more prominent. I see a fair but of fun being injected into the way people are dressing—colour play, prints, bold silhouette choices—which I'm really enjoying. There's also a growing emphasis on longevity—investing in pieces that last rather than chasing trends—love to see it," she said.
"And lastly, something that never goes out of style is the influence of workwear and functional design elements, particularly in outerwear and layering pieces. The mix of heritage craftsmanship with modern utility is something we've really leaned into with Joseph & James."
Looking ahead Page says she is eager to further develop Joseph & James, work on upcoming collections and potentially expanding the brand internationally.
"After MFF, our focus is on development of upcoming collections and preparing for some exciting opportunities that are yet to be announced. Beyond that, we're looking ahead to potential opportunities overseas, while also continuing conversations around collaborations, particularly ones that align with our values of craftsmanship and considered design," she said.
"It's an exciting time for the brand, and we're looking forward to what's next."
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