For upcycle designer Nicole McLaughlin, the kitchen is her dressing room
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…
Courtesy of @nicolemclaughlin
Alice May Stenson: Hi NICOLE, what have you been up to today?
Nicole McLaughlin: It's been a busy day, ARC'TERYX announced our partnership last week and I'm their first design ambassador. I'm really excited for it, so I've been getting straight to work.
AMS: Congratulations! On the subject of work, you craft clothing from household objects. Have you held this interest from a young age?
NM: My mum is an interior designer and my dad is a carpenter, so I grew up in a very hands-on environment. My grandpa was also an engineer and loved to make things, he’d frequently let me hang out with him in his workshop and tinker. Being able to explore pretty freely at such a young age definitely influenced my love for making things.
AMS: What’s your biggest accomplishment in life so far?
NM: Having the confidence to quit my first job and starting my business.
AMS: Choose a design that best represents you. What is it and why is it relevant?
NM: I would say pieces that I’ve been able to upcycle repeatedly. For instance, my CARHARTT and PATAGONIA pieces are very me because they’re constantly evolving and showcasing the possibilities of change.
AMS: Accessible objects contradict fashion which, to some, is seen as exclusive. What do you think about this?
NM: There are tiers within fashion that are financially inaccessible for many people, but I don’t think it’s exclusive. It’s the opposite; there’s too much of it. And although the focus is often on fast fashion as the culprit behind landfill and climate issues, waste comes everywhere from every corner of the industry. By using unexpected objects and clothing, I’m trying to shine a light on waste in an interesting way; it helps people understand that everything can have multiple uses. It’s just about how you approach them.
AMS: Which have been the wildest objects you’ve used?
NM: Well, my french fries manicure drew a lot of comments. Also, the Peels Heels – which use a vegetable peeler – are definitely an interesting creation.
AMS: Explain your process to me. Does it start with materials first and ideas second?
NM: My process is pretty fluid and simple, sometimes the idea comes first but I usually start with materials. When you begin draping it and playing around with it, shapes start to unfold. Specific patterns lend themselves better to certain things but it’s also largely about exploring. There’s no point in forcing it; how I work is about having fun.
AMS: Who is inspiring you right now?
NM: It’s less about who and more about what. I’m really into giant-sized and mini pieces at the moment – it’s all about the scale.
AMS: Can you recall any memorable moments you’ve had when working?
NM: Things go wrong all the time. People only see a finished product, so they don't realise how much trial and error goes into what I make. For instance, the baguette and waffle vests were pretty tricky! I don't use glue on food because I eat it afterward, so it's about finding niche ways to create something secure yet safe for consumption.
AMS: How else does sustainability inform your work?
NM: I grew up spending a lot of time outdoors, so I’ve always been mindful of the environment and sustainability. When I started making, my budget determined what I could afford, and with limited resources I became more sustainable in my approach. Creating with existing materials provided the challenges I was looking for as a designer and made me realise that new wasn’t necessarily better. Also, that everything has the potential to be transformed and reused. Upcycling and sustainability are at the core of what I do, and if you understand that, you can clearly see the message in each piece; everything has multiple uses.
AMS: Old-fashioned clothing and dreary linens can be associated with sustainability. Why is it important to challenge these stigmas?
NM: I don’t understand where this dull aesthetic came from, but boring and plain is not something I think about when I’m creating. I always focus on fun and functionality, therefore, the materials I use are wild, endless and plentiful.
AMS: On your feed I’ve seen everything from egg sliders to sandwich shorts. So, what’s the best food in New York?
NM: The best thing about food in New York is the variety on offer and the convenience of a 24-hour bodega.
AMS: Do you have any rainy-day movies to share?
NM: I’m not a movie person, my attention span is much better suited for TV. With that in mind, crime shows are my usual go-to.
AMS: What’s a first date deal breaker for you?
NM: I haven’t been on a date in five years so I can’t even think about trying to date in 2021. However, RACISM = deal breaker + life breaker.
AMS: Can you describe the worst lie you’ve told?
NM: “I’m a terrible liar.”
AMS: Imagine we’re at the club. Which music are you requesting? What are you drinking?
NM: I’m more of a hardcore show person, but I’d say my drink of choice would be coffee or bubble tea.
AMS: Finish the sentence. If I could have a superpower, it would be…
NM: The ability to have more time!
AMS: The last photo I took on my phone was…
NM: A NYC pizza place – the building is literally the shape of a triangle yet they didn’t maximize its marketing potential. It’s a pizza slice!
AMS: Don’t talk to me about…
NM: Sustainability, unless you really want to talk about it.
AMS: What do you hope to achieve in your career?
NM: To work with good people who are determined to make positive changes. To help educate people and provide opportunities through access to materials, resources, most importantly, experts. I believe in the importance of openness if you’re looking to achieve lasting change.
