Izzy Li Kostrzewa has firmly captured our attention since last spring when their BFA thesis collection at Parsons caught our eye. With a pop-up shop right around the corner here’s a peek at their latest collection.
What sets Isaboko apart? We only use waste textiles, zero waste patterns and center gender free design. We produce in very small batches and made to order in NYC. We use a unique sizing system because the pieces are adjustable so that clothes fit your body throughout the seasons. If you can’t afford the clothes but you know how to sew you can buy the patterns!!! We’re interested in radical systems building for a more optimistic future.
Tell us a bit about this featured collection
It’s a collection of really versatile shirts and pants made from deconstructed Japanese kimonos. The pants can be worn high to low waisted, with 6 inches of adjustability. The shirts have a tie that can be styled a ton of different ways. The fit is a little loose, boxy, street wear cool- but the materials are so beautiful that they could be worn to a very special event. The buttons on the shirts are aluminum punch buttons from the 1940s. Everything is sewn with red cotton thread. It was about creating something that was simple enough to be worn by everyone but unique enough to be meaningful and valuable. All the materials Isaboko uses can only make 2 shirts or 2 pants or one shirt and one pants so I have to communicate that as the amazing and special thing that it is, not as a problem like many retailers think it is… You can come to my pop up and see the system yourself!
According to your Instagram, Solarpunk is radical optimism for the future of humanity paired with the hard work to get you there. What’s happening in the world right now that makes you radically optimistic for the future? Queer Christians using their voices. People learning how to fix their own clothes and upcycle. Talking to kids. Indigenous power. Learning languages. When people sing and dance even when it’s scary. Having conversations where you listen and can change other peoples minds. Changing your own mind.
Small indie designers sticking to their values in the face of adversity. Reworked Runway is a showcase of some of these designers!! it’s happening on Earth weekend this April 21, organized by the designer behind By Liv Williasburg!
What’s your astrological sign?
Aries, I love it. I’m also a chinese zodiac dragon and I identify with that a lot.
A quote you live by?
“You cannot buy the revolution, you cannot make the revolution, you can only be the revolution. It is in your spirit or it is nowhere” Ursula K. Le Guin
Anything else we should know?
I’m having a pop up this month in NYC!! It’s at 251 Elizabeth St from March 20-24 and there’s going to be lots of things to interact with that’s not just shopping like a collaborative quilt, a small gallery of found objects and more!
Aristotle Luna
(model on right)
When you’re not modeling we can find you: finishing my last semester at NYU and dancing with Complexions Contemporary Ballet!
What things are happening in the world right now that makes you radically optimistic for the future? Hügelkultur for the people!
What’s your astrological sign – Taurus
A quote you live by: “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.” The Godfather, 1972
Jordan
When you’re not modeling we can find you: with my besties at the YMCA doing water aerobics, or (forever fulfilling that lesbian stereotype) at home snuggling with my cats and girlfriend
What things are happening in the world right now that makes you radically optimistic for the future? Marching alongside my community, seeing tens of thousands of people show up in the rain to protest the genocide happening in Gaza, and bearing witness to the resilience of the Palestinian people has been both devastating while also giving me a glimmer of hope that a better world is possible. Free Palestine, free Congo, free Haiti, free Sudan, free Tigray. We will keep fighting until we see liberation for all oppressed peoples, globally. In the words of Fannie Lou Hamer, “Nobody’s Free Until Everybody’s Free.”
What’s your astrological sign? Cancer sun, Gemini moon, Aries rising
A quote you live by? I don’t know if it’s a quote per se, but in therapy we always say “you deserve a life worth living.” It’s so simple but it keeps me fighting for myself and my community, recenters my focus on my values, and reminds me to find pockets of joy even when things are looking bleak.
Anything else we should know? I LOVE YOU!
Niara
(model on right)
When you’re not modeling we can find you: thrifting or designing/sewing clothes
What things are happening in the world right now that makes you radically optimistic for the future? More community oriented thoughts/actions that allow us to depend more each other rather large corporations/government.
What’s your astrological sign? Scorpio
A quote you live by: Have purpose your way
Nishina Loft
When you’re not modeling we can find you:
At Relative Arts creating beadwork, painting murals and drinking iced coffees while sewing upcycled clothing pieces.
What things are happening in the world right now that makes you radically optimistic for the future? Seeing communities coming together to create change and fighting for human rights.
What’s your astrological sign? Sagittarius
A quote you live by? Land back.
Credits
Designer: Izzy Li Kostrzewa
Stylist: June Lim
Photography + Art Direction: Katya Moorman
Post Production + Digital Illustration: Anmol Baliga
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