paloma navarrete and hyperclash

Paloma in her studio wearing Hyperclash

When we moved from New Jersey to New Mexico a few months ago, I knew I was coming to a gorgeous place full of artists and people doing creative things. I also knew I was coming to a place where people seem to care a lot more about their environment and are more dedicated to living a greener lifestyle. I was a little worried at first about being "out in the middle of nowhere", because to this Jersey girl, that's exactly what it felt like at first! I went from being in Times Square, NYC five days a week to a place where I can look out my window and see for miles, where the nearest mall is about 1 and a half hours away, and even just driving to town takes me a good 20 minutes. I have to say, I absolutely Love it! I left the hustle and bustle of NYC (which I was starting to hate...a LOT) and the fashion industry, which I have always had a love/hate relationship with. It is awesome that I can be here in New Mexico still doing what I love, and still being surrounded by art and fashion on a daily basis! This is why I was so psyched to meet my new neighbor Paloma Navarrete. Not only is she super nice and fun to hang out with but she has her own clothing line and the coolest studio! Paloma has joked that we are the "Taos Fashion Compound" It's true, during the day I work on my freelance textile design and textile service work for the fashion industry and Paloma is downstairs sewing away creating Hyperclash! 

Lesley: So, Paloma, how did you first become interested in fashion? Did you always know this is what you wanted to do? 
Paloma: I started to experiment with sewing when I was 16 (around 1994). I borrowed a sewing machine and would make handbags and pants.  During high school I took summer pre college programs at Rhode Island School of Design  in printmaking and at Chicago Art Institute in fashion design.  My parents bought me my first sewing machine and I continued to create.  I was accepted into the Experimental Animation Film Department at Calarts and continued to take classes in printmaking and costume design as they encouraged multidisciplinary studies.  I was career focused on the film industry until 2004 when Hyperclash launched as a destination resort t-shirt company creating graphics for silk screened tees, mostly for ski resorts.  In 2009 Hyperclash became a sustainable design house using discarded and unloved materials and reclaiming them into new garments.  I  use a vertically integrated business model which minimizes the use of sub-contractors and offshore labor.  Sewing, pattern making, photography, marketing, distribution and design all happen in my Taos, New Mexico studio.  
Lesley: Did you work for any other lines before starting Hyperclash?
Paloma: I have done internships in the film and fashion industry, and have worked retail and customer service jobs. 
Lesley: Did you ever dream you would have such an awesome job? 
Paloma: I think I'm still dreaming
Lesley: Explain your process, you go thrifting for t-shirts and other jersey knit items, cut everything up, mix and match and create fresh new garments from all the pieces? 
Paloma: My process begins with sourcing the fabrics by the pound, laundering them, color coordinating & then sorting them with different clashing colors and patterns.  It takes about two to five t-shirts to make one Hyperclash shirt or dress.  Right now I'm mostly concentrating on natural materials like jersey knit cotton and wool to re-purpose. 
Lesley: Taos has so many amazing thrift stores, do you mainly visit these or do you travel to other areas to get your supplies? What do you mainly look for? 
Paloma: I once did use materials from Taos' free box, but I found the quality to be poor and very used.  I like to source the big cities, I can find more qualitative materials there.  I will use almost any jersey knit material but I do look for colors and graphics I can reuse and be inspired from.  My other sewing and drafting supplies I order from Los Angeles.  
Lesley: I love that your line is all handmade in your studio and eco friendly. Being in Taos, I am so amazed at what a sustainable community we have here, as well as being full of amazing artists and people who support them. I am so proud to call it my new home! How did growing up here influence you? 
Paloma: I grew up in Taos where it's traditionally been a sustainable community.  As long as I can remember we had gardens in the summer and ate organic foods.  My mom always had home made breads, dried apples and composted all the organic waste.  I grew up buying used clothes at thrift stores and learned to use and reuse what we had.  I've been aware of our global issues, but now it seems more pressing that we rethink our global footprint.  There is so much unwanted goods I felt it was the responsible thing as a fashion designer to reuse & recycle.  I use a lot of my scraps for smaller items like arm cuffs & flower corsages, little waste.  I obviously don't follow fashion trends, I do what feels right.  
Lesley: I love that you don't follow fashion trends! Speaking of your parents, (who are two of the cutest people I have ever met!) what kind of inspiration do you get from them? 
Paloma: My parents are sculptors so I was encouraged to experiment early.  I would throw pencils in the air when I would draw as a child.  I admire children's drawings, I love seeing the loose line movement and try to keep that freedom when I sew and craft.   I also get to see them work as professionals from concept design, fabrication, to large scale installation.  I am so proud of them and their work.  
Lesley: What is a typical day like for you in the studio? What are the advantages of working out here in such a quiet, remote and beautiful location? 
Paloma: My typical day might include, drafting a pattern, shredding t-shirts, sewing, photography, research, sourcing, delivering orders, sending invoices & working late into the night.  I love working/living in such a rural area.  The sky & land is so amazing out here.  I can kick up dirt and gaze at the clouds. 
Lesley: I love it as well, such a huge change for me. I love that I can take a break from work and go out to water the garden, stare at the mountains and watch the birds and animals.  I can also, for once, actually hear myself think! When you are not designing and making clothes, what other creative projects do you work on?
Paloma: Can't say, I've been focused on fashion design & production for a while now.  Sad, because I love printmaking, painting, flipbooks & collage. 
Lesley: Where can we find your clothes besides your website? 
Paloma: Besides my website, Hyperclash can be found at FX-18 and Michelle's boutique in Taos, NM
Lesley: What fashion designers do you admire most?
Paloma: Joann Berman is like my favorite eco designer right now.  She is so rad. 
Lesley: I will have to check her out! Does Juan Gris assist in the design process, besides puking on your paper patterns so you have to remake them? :) 
Paloma: Juan Gris has brought a lot of joy to the studio.  He gets praise and credit for most of the inspiration & design work around here ;)
Lesley: What advice can you give for anyone wanting to start their own business?
Paloma: It's tricky in the beginning.  You certainly have to be focused, passionate and have a lot of love for your craft.  There are so many aspects, always multitasking duties, but it's the best choice ever. 
Lesley: Thanks Paloma! You are certainly an inspiration and Hyperclash is awesome!

Here are some shots from the studio.... 

 

  

Love the colors!

This is Juan Gris, Paloma's cat.  When he isn't in the studio with Paloma, he spends a lot of time spying on me and playing with our cats through the windows.  He is quite the charachter, just LOOK at that face! Tough guy!

 

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