Bianca Van
Aardt, 26-year-old designer and owner of Bianca Kim Clothing, has a knack for
mixing up contrasts resulting in designs that are unique and instantly
recognizable. Drawing her inspiration from everything and anything around her,
Bianca combines New Age culture and vintage elegance into her ranges which
consist of her favourite styles of “biker meets rocker” and “Boho chic”.
Her goal is for her clients to have an up-to-date look that is on par with
international trends while keeping her ranges affordable, and so far she has
succeeded brilliantly.
Lee Folkard Photography: How
did you get involved in #ProjectScouted?
Bianca: Lee and I met at “I Heart Market” and we were both fascinated by
each other’s work. He asked me if I wanted to be a part of this cycle of #ProjectScouted
and I am honoured to be a part of it.
LFP: What made you want to become a #ProjectScouted
sponsor?
Bianca: I love the concept, the idea, and the exposure Lee and the Project
offer. I could never give up the chance to be creative and working on styling
is one of my absolute favourite things to do, which I will be doing during my
phase.
LFP: From what you know so
far, what do you love most about the Project?
Bianca: I love how it is evolving so rapidly and how social media, especially
Instagram, plays such a huge part of the process. It gives everyone involved a
greater opportunity to get out there and be noticed.
LFP: How did you find your
passion for designing and creating clothing?
Bianca: I’ve always had this creative passion for clothing and design. For
me, inspiration comes from anywhere and even from the most unexpected things
and places. I find inspiration from going on road trips, being out in nature,
and from everyday life experiences. I also love looking at books and patterns
and watching international trends. When I am inspired in these ways, passion
automatically comes.
LFP: How long have you
been designing?
Bianca: I started studying for my Bachelor of Arts in Fashion in 2007 but I
have been designing and playing with fabrics as far back as I can remember.
LFP: What was the very
first thing you designed and made?
Bianca: The first thing… Well, that is hard to say. In college, I designed
a collection of three awful dresses in my first year. Haha! They were made of a
sheer fabric with shirring elastic. Sometimes it’s so funny how fashion changes
and even how our own style can change!
LFP: What is the most
rewarding aspect of your work?
Bianca: I do love seeing a Bianca Kim Clothing design on a girl just
walking down the street or at a music festival or concert. When I see my
clothing on someone, especially unexpectedly, I get to appreciate my design and
what went into it all over again. It’s truly one of the most exhilarating and
rewarding feelings ever.
LFP: Would you like to
share any info about your phase in the Project?
Bianca: The plans for the BKC phase of the Project are still in the early
stages; all I can say is that it’s going to be incredible! The #ProjectScouted
girls should definitely continue to bring their utmost best so they can make it
as far as possible! #StayTuned
Check out Bianca’s website at http://www.biancakimclothing.co.za/
for her latest ranges and look-books.
Also follow Bianca on Instagram, @biancakimclothing, as well as the official
#ProjectScouted Instagram page for the dates and venues of upcoming phases. As
Bianca would say, “love and light”!
