Founded by Kim Westwood, BA Textiles, Chelsea College of Arts (2013), Just Kim Prints is a sports luxe fashion brand that designs printed neoprene bags and accessories. Inspiration for the collection derived from the urban landscapes around the now demolished Heygate Estate in Elephant and Castle. All products are printed and manufactured in the UK and the pieces are made by ‘Making for Change’, a social enterprise programme set up by London College of Fashion and the Ministry of Justice.
What’s your fondest memory from your time at UAL?
I am most fond of all the immensely talented friends I made at UAL that are now my life-long friends and most importantly my screen-print tutor Margaret Campbell, who continuously inspired and supported us tirelessly whilst always making us laugh during the hard times.
How did your company come about?
My obsession with neoprene started in my 3rd year of university, for my graduate collection I designed printed sweatshirts, bomber jackets and tote bags. After graduating I started to make screen printed clutch bags and purses and started selling them at local fair and pop-ups. I moved into digital print and in the last year I have been able to grow my production by partnering with ‘Making for Change’.Who or what inspires you?
Sportswear brands with bold and ever-changing style innovations inspire me and my bag designs heavily. I enjoy being active myself and keeping up with the latest sports trends. London’s urban culture, housing estates and brutalist architecture have always had a place in my heart, I see beauty in the everyday.
What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?
Each piece features one of four unique prints inspired by the urban landscapes and textures of decay from blocks that were in the now demolished Heygate Estate; Marston, Claydon, Risborough and Ashenden. Each print is created with a combination of hand drawn elements, scanned in screen print techniques, digitally manipulated and then printed onto neoprene.
What purchase have you currently got your eye on?
I’m currently looking out for some summer jumpsuits for holiday breaks abroad!Where is your most inspiring place in London?
Shoreditch is vibrant and always moving with the trends – it hosts the coolest pop-ups in food, fashion and entertainment. I love soaking up the street style and culture that surrounds the area; Columbia Road flower market is just around the corner and feeds my green addiction.
What advice would you give current students hoping to start their own business?
Keep on creating and connecting with like-minded creatives, support and work together with new brands.
What’s next for your brand?
I launched Just Kim Prints with the Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme last November and I’m working towards a brand-new website with ecommerce including new printed bum bags. I’m also hoping to move into sports luxe clothing sometime in the future, printed bomber jackets are the dream!