The Process: Jules Gonski for Nirvana
When we first envisioned our Nirvana collection we wanted to create an intoxicating paradise of vibrant wildflowers and majestic peacocks - a collection perfect for spring days spent basking in the sun, inspired by bold bohemia and the colourful lives of the generations that came before us.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF - WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU'RE FROM AND WHAT SETS YOUR SOUL ON FIRE?
Hello! I’m Jules a textile designer from Bondi! Living by the beach definitely sets my soul on fire, watching the sun/moon rise over the horizon and going for winter/spring swims has been a real life saver over the past few months of lockdown!
YOU WORKED WITH US ON OUR RECENT COLLECTION, NIRVANA. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE ROLE YOU PLAYED?
I was the lucky lady that got to draw all of Nirvana’s dreamy retro inspired flowers and arrange them into a wearable print.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE PROCESS WHEN WORKING WITH ROSE AND NESS AND HOW YOU THEN BRING THEIR CONCEPT TO LIFE?
Rose and Ness are so lovely to work with. They know exactly what they want and have such a unique, fun vision which really helps fasten the design process.
It begins with hand drawing all the motifs - referencing their collection of inspo images and then digitally rendering the print in photoshop. Rose creates the colourways herself once the print is complete and it’s such a nice surprise to see how she's interpreted and brought it to life.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE NIRVANA PRINT?
The Inspiration for this print were large vintage retro florals mixed with fun little swirly leaves and flower branches. I adore the pretty peacock in the border!
WHAT’S YOUR MUST HAVE PIECE FROM THE COLLECTION?
I loveee the Drifter jumpsuit and Moondance mini, so so fun!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
My personal style is quite beachy/bohemian. In lockdown it’s been a lot of jeans and tees so I’m a bit excited to get dressed up again!
HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD A CREATIVE FLARE? AND WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
Yes! I’ve always loved to draw, paint and create from a very young age. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself without it. I am always inspired by artisan textiles, in particular Indian block prints and Indonesian batiks. I think they remind me of travelling and I find the beauty in handmade creations so mesmerising.. also flowers.. obsessed!
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY INTO BECOMING A TEXTILE ARTIST? AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT YOUR JOB?
My journey into textile design was a bit backwards, I studied visual communications at university which was more of a graphic design based course. It was only when I moved to Bali that I delved into textiles. In the three years of living overseas I self taught myself the ins and outs of prints, I created non stop and built a small bunch of clients. When I moved back to Sydney in 2019 I got my first full time role at Zimmermann where I worked with so many amazing textile designers and learnt so much more. I’ve been working for myself for the past year, designing for such a beautiful mixture of inspiring brands and it’s been beyond incredible. I feel very lucky to be where I am today, that I get to draw flowers everyday and for the client relationships I have built.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EXCITING, PINCH ME MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Seeing my prints come to life is always a pinch me moment. Seeing them in amazing photoshoots around the world or when someone walks past you wearing your design is a pretty special aspect of the job.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER BRANDS YOU HAVE WORKED WITH?
At the moment I’ve been working with a quite a few NSW based brands like Oak Meadow, Arnhem Clothing, Alemais and Bella Boheme, as well as a few small labels that are yet to launch!
WHAT’S THE NEXT CREATIVE PROJECT YOU’RE GOING TO DIG YOUR HANDS INTO?
So many! A few more beauties for NLB are in the process which is exciting! I would also really love to get back into some personal canvas painting and learn to knit/crochet one day.
For bohemian and artisan prints follow Jules Gonski
