Jenesse Montalbo of Offkuts lets us into her world ౨ৎ

Let’s start from the beginning. What is your background and What inspired you to initially start creating garments?

A: I came from a small town in the Philippines and moved to Trinidad and Tobago four years ago. From a young age, I have always been interested in fashion. I loved dressing up and planning my outfits. This ignited my enthusiasm to learn how to sew. I started sewing by hand at the age of eight, played with my fashion design kits at ten, and started making garments at fourteen. I started sewing to satisfy my interests—to make clothes I like that fit my style.

What do you do, where do you go to find new cultural and artistic references?

A: I currently am studying Nursing at the University of the West Indies. This may come as a shock to some, as most people always thought I would pursue further studies in the Arts.

Most of my creations are inspired by the things I like at that moment. I am constantly inspired by my peers, brands whom I look up to, and the mundane. In my first collection: intertwined, I was heavily inspired by ribbons and bows. I found it interesting how such a simple concept of tying a ribbon could be so dainty and stylish. I am blessed to be a part of an amazing community: HF Twitter which is filled with like-minded individuals, creatives and visionaries. It honestly feels surreal. They continually inspire me.

Who do you envision wearing your garments? Do you have a character or philosophy in particular? What scene do you see your clothing being worn?

A: I started my brand with the purpose of only creating garments that I know I love and will last. I wish people who share the same sentiment as me will get the chance to wear my clothes. I purposely try to incorporate versatility in my clothing, I want those who wear them to be able to add their personal touch. I also believe that it is vital to ensure the longevity of each piece as far as styling or construction. I sew all the pieces by myself, both with a sewing machine and by hand. I heavily focus on the quality of my products, hence why I hope my Offkuts darlings will love and care for their pieces.

Is there a memory which makes you feel particularly proud since your brand’s launch?

A: I started my brand on 11.11.20, which was two years ago, and relaunched it on 08.08.22. Ever since the relaunch, I have received overwhelming love and support from the HF Twitter community for which I am very grateful. To see my friends, whom I have never had the chance to meet, wear my creations warms my heart. To hear amazing feedbacks from customers commending the artistry and needlework flatter me the most. I am eternally thankful to those who have shown love, kindness, and support to my brand. Thank you so so much!

Do you have a favourite type of medium when it comes to expressing yourself? What's coming next?

A: I feel the most comfortable expressing myself through fashion. It feels so natural to me to be able to constantly reinvent myself and showcase individuality. It is so easily integrated into everyday life. From dressing up every day to modifying staple pieces to fit your wardrobe and even to sewing your own garments. I believe fashion coincides with my identity. Although it may appear to have restrictions since when you get dressed, you are confined to what you presently have. You do your best to represent how you feel and what you think you want to portray yourself as. The artistic approach to choosing a piece of clothing and coordination inspires creativity. The choice in lines, forms, colours, textures, and other design components of a garment can all contribute to the artistic composition of creating an outfit.

I am currently creating my new collection which will come out around March~April of 2023. I am very excited to share what I have in store. The collection will centre around flowers and of course ribbons! I hope everyone will love it ♥︎౨ৎ

you can visit the offkuts website here! https://0ffkuts.company.site

and follow along her journey https://twitter.com/j3nesse