How Cameron Paul Jukes’ Jamaican-British designs took him on a trip of self-discovery
This is A HOT MINUTE WITH, a quick-fire interview series championing all the rising talent catapulting into fashion, art and music’s fickle stratosphere. From pinch-me moments to bad dates and even worse chat-up lines, think of it as an overindulgent conversation – like the ones you have in sticky club toilets at 4.A.M. Except these guests don’t regret the overshare…
NAME CAMERON PAUL JUKES
AGE 18
COURSE BA Fashion Design Womenswear, CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS
STAR SIGN Aquarius
PET PEEVES Arriving at a date really late
For any fashion student, walking through the halls of a school like Central Saint Martins is an adventure in itself. The birthplace of designers McQueen, Galliano, Tisci and McCartney, it’s every fashionista’s dream. I mean in all honesty, which one of us hasn’t orgasmed at the thought of studying in a place as famed as this? It’s just so CSM.
However for this year’s cohort, the adventure has felt a little off. Arriving a month later than normal, their grand entrance into CSM was met with a beefed-up security system, mandatory social distancing and restricted access to on-site facilities and resources. Worst of all, the Platform Bar was closed. Indefinitely.
As they embarked on their first project, the annual White Show, things only got worse. Bumbling Prime Minister Boris Johnson led a hopeful 2021 into another national lockdown over the Christmas break. All schools and universities were closed and are still unlikely to reopen before Easter... if even then.
While the fashion industry in all shapes and forms tries to adapt to a global pandemic with an ever-changing array of rules and regulations, I spoke to Cameron Paul Jukes, a first-year Womenswear student, about his experience studying online.
Jeffrey Thomson: Why did you decide to study at CSM?
Cameron Paul Jukes: Ever since I can remember, I thought that if I wanted to be the best, I’ve got to be at the best institution. In my eyes, Central Saint Martins is just that, whether you look at the alumni or merely the work that students pump out from this place, it’s incredible.
JT: What was the inspiration behind your White Show garment?
CPJ: A Jamaican-British amalgamation of how lost I have felt. I was reading the work of Friedrich Nietzsche and at times it felt like fate; that I had to evolve into what Nietzsche referred to as ‘uubermensch’. I envisioned a garment that had the ability to change, from a state of being conformed to liberated.
JT: What has lockdown 3.0 taught you?
CPJ: It’s taught me that circumstance doesn’t necessarily hinder goals and that to prosper in unprecedented times is all the more rewarding. People would tell me that I couldn’t get into CSM without a foundation, or that my work needed this and that, and yet here I am.
JT: What’s been the hardest thing about studying from home?
CPJ: Financing all of the equipment to be able to work online. I’ve also found that I miss the social aspect of university - I just feel every time I sit in that studio and get to work, the space has an air of brilliance.
JT: When was the last time you dressed up? What did you wear?
CPJ: I dressed up for a date. I wore this double corduroy number that I thought was really suave, but the outfit’s gone into the Try again next time Cam section because we didn’t work out. I should have worn leather.
JT: How would you describe your style?
CPJ: Like D’Angelo, my alter ego.
JT: Best thing you’ve overheard at CSM?
CPJ: That you can get free chocolate if you go to the café near the library as it’s closing… thank me later.
JT: Worst fashion trend you participated in?
CPJ: Ripped skinny jeans, fur hoodies, Timberlands… Please don’t make me go on.
JT: Simons or Galliano?
CPJ: Galliano holds a special place in my heart.
JT: Fashion week IRL or on the URL?
CPJ: In real life always, but I think the URL is exquisite in terms of the content and videography. It lets you revisit and really be immersed in the brands concept, but the tangible experience leaves a greater impact.
JT: Instagram or TikTok?
CPJ: Instagram.
JT: Staying in or going out?
CPJ: I mean going out right now sounds unreal…
JT: What are you looking forward to in 2021?
CPJ: This year I want to build my confidence as a designer - I feel myself evolving and that excites me.
