Interview with the woman behind Bloom Vintage Clothing: Angelina Alvarez Soto. She is skillfully applying fashion deconstructionism to vintage and we’re here for it! Montreal, meet your new vintage fashion deconstructionist and potentially your own Rei Kawakubo or Martin Margiela!
1. How would you define Bloom’s style?
Bloom’s style is rather streetwear. It’s a mix of many styles and inspirations. It’s laid back, often unisex and one size fits all.
2. What inspires you when creating pieces? (And do you go from the fabrics to the design or from the design to the fabrics you choose)
All forms of art can inspire me like music, film, painting, dance and of course fashion. I watch a lot of fashion shows. I also think a lot about the Canadian pieces that we must have in our wardrobes because of the climate such as coats, jackets and tracksuits. When creating a piece, I always start with a design, an idea and then I will choose among the fabrics and clothes that I have in stock. The idea may vary and change slightly along the way because of the fabric.
3. What sizes do you design for and what price range can people expect?
I create for practically all sizes: XS to 3XL and since I work with recycled materials, I can add or remove fabrics easily to create a new size. My prices are fixed with a few exceptions, prices start at $ 35 and go up to $ 100.
4. Tell us a little bit more about you, the artist behind the brand.
I always had a very developed artistic side. I decided to make a career out of it when I understood that I could make a change and have a positive impact around me while combining some of my interests and passions such as ethical art and ethical fashion. It’s important for me to watch our consumption and be aware of what’s happening on the other side of the fashion industry. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Unfortunately, in the fashion industry, we have more efforts to make with regards to pollution, ethics and humanity.
5. You mentioned in your press release that Bloom respects the environment and people, how does that translate in your direct company operations?
We work with clothes and fabrics that we collect and recycle. By doing this we are reducing the company’s ecological footprint and giving a second life to clothing that could end up in a landfill. We are practically zero waste too because we recover and use our own production waste and scrap. In parallel, company employees work in safe conditions and are paid fairly. I make sure of maintaining a good work environment and that the team is happy and comfortable at Bloom.
6. Where can people shop your pieces?
We have an online store where we sell our creations at bloomvetementsrecycles.com. We also organize popup shops several times a year, which are shared on our social media.
7. What fashion trends and consumption trends would you like to see more of?
I would like to see more clothing brands go green, hire local employees, use local materials and use durable quality materials. By offering a little more expensive better quality products, they will take a step towards “slow fashion” and encourage their customers to buy more conscientiously. On the fashion side of things, I can’t wait for trends such as the washed out and the tie dye effects to come back this spring / summer 2020, these trends will be everywhere!
8. Is there something else you would like to share with us?
I would like to encourage people to shop more locally. There are lots of Quebec companies that offer beautiful, unique and different products. There is something for everyone. It’s a good way to counter fast fashion and overconsumption. By buying local, we encourage local entrepreneurs and creators and our own economy.
