Posted on 17 July 2008 by admin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Holt Renfrew to Debut JUZD Bamboo Collection by Unknown Canadian Designer
Luxury retailer, Holt Renfrew, will be the first retail chain to unveil the JUZD Bamboo Streetwear collection from unknown Canadian designer, Jing Liu. The collection, consisting of edgy graphics on an exclusive bamboo fabric, will debut in stores as early as next week.
Toronto, Ontario – July 17th, 2008 – Jing Liu may still be unknown in the design world, but that’s about to change. Liu’s JUZD Bamboo Streetwear Collection has just been picked up by Holt Renfrew, a leading Canadian luxury retailer, rarely known for taking a chance on an unproven line from a new designer. JUZD (pronounced “joost”) is the world’s first bamboo designer label, and features high-end streetwear created using an exclusive bamboo fabric and Liu’s edgy “organic” and aggressive style of art.
Liu isn’t following the path of a “typical” fashion designer. He has no formal training in fashion or design. He has no work experience at any design agency. With no exhibits to his name, Liu’s creative and eco-conscious style have seemingly come out of nowhere, beginning with his first collection of custom-designed tees with original and edgy graphics.
Holt Renfrew’s formula for success, at least for the last several years, has been about picking proven lines. It might seem a risky move then for the company to put its faith in unknown Canadian designer, Liu. Industry insiders, however, are taking note of the JUZD line’s bamboo fabric, with even industry veterans of over 50 years is in awe of the fabric, custom-designed and milled with advanced textile technology.
According to Liu, his success was foreshadowed in feedback from metro boutiques and end consumers. “The fabric’s potential revealed itself when it was shown to boutique sales staff members and stylists. These are the trendsetters – they live and dictate style in our culture. Their excitement at the fabric and graphics really kept the dream, and motivation, alive from the beginning.”
Holt Renfrew picked up the collection on July 8th 2008 and wanted delivery the next week. “This is unheard of in the retail fashion industry,” says Liu. “Retailers typically buy lines at least nine months in advance.” The JUZD collection is scheduled to appear in Holt Renfrew in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Edmonton as early as next week.
About JUZD – The Bamboo Streetwear Clothing Company
JUZD (pronounced joost) www.juzdbamboo.com is the planet’s first bamboo designer label, established in 2007 by Canadian designer Jing Liu. The label emphasizes contemporary high-end streetwear created using exclusive custom-designed and milled bamboo fabric. Each design is inspired by the designer’s vision of “organic” and aggressive style and the philosophy that art and fashion should co-exist in a way that is innovative, eco-conscious, and empowering.
For more information about the JUZD label or new clothing line, or to learn more about or set up an interview with Jing Liu, please contact Davi Tham at 416-561-4840.
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CONTACT:
Davi Tham
JUZD Bamboo
Tel: 416.561.4840
Davi@JUZDbamboo.com
Toll-Free: 1.888.589.3462
Fax:1.888.895.5893
Posted on 04 June 2008 by admin
Posted on 02 April 2008 by admin
Beijing is a depressing city. Right as I got out of the gates of the railway station at midnight, I raced with the thousands of other travelers to the street to catch a cab. At every turn I was harassed with solicitors. With a frown and a beaten down posture sadly holding a pamphlet as if they were bagging for change or showing a picture of their lost child. Instead it’s for a hotel or another service of some sort.
It looked more like a car pileup then a taxi line.
Finally I got to the cab area after brushing off eight or nine solicitors, but it is the same here. I can see a sea of cabs inches apart fighting for passengers. It looked more like a car pileup than a taxi line. Even then hustlers approach me and try to negotiate a fixed rate double or triple the actual cost of the trip.
As I was traveling during the day I got a better look at Beijing. It was a rainy day and I thought the poor visibility was caused by mist of the
morning dew but only to realize it was the smog. All the buildings were tattooed in pollution and dirt, its windows bleeding with rust. Everywhere I look I see only grey rectangular buildings with grey rectangular balconies with grey rectangular doors and grey rectangular signs. The epitome of functional design with no respect paid to aesthetics. This reminds me of those Chinese food restaurants called something like “Wong’s Lucky Star Fast Yummy Tasty Fine Dining Chinese Food”
There is 48,000 sqm of exhibition space and over 1,100 exhibitors from 14 counties and regions.
I am here for the Intertextile Beijing Apparel Fabrics Fair March 27 – 29, 2008. It is China’s bi-annual gathering of fabric producers showcasing their latest technology and development. There is 48,000 sqm of exhibition space and over 1,100 exhibitors from 14 counties and regions. This is held in the old China International Exhibition Centre (CIEC). As you expected the CIEC consisted of large rectangular windowless buildings that looks like movie studios but the white pristine texture added a sense of cleanliness.
As I strolled around the fair I noticed a large exhibitor with bamboo stalk design. As I spoke to the agent I realized they mainly make their products out of nylon with only one bamboo nylon fabric. 
Bamboo is used very often for décor and design in the Chinese culture. I noticed this especially for restaurants. As I asked around I noticed not many Chinese fabric producers know of bamboo and even the information agent was perplexed about the fabric and couldn’t direct me to the any particular area. I did however meet a couple of suppliers that had a small offering of bamboo fabric.
…the most innovative use of bamboo is from a silk fabric company.
However the most innovative use of bamboo is from a silk fabric company. They developed a very nice silk bamboo composition fabric. I always liked the delicacy of silk but was worrisome of its fragility. With the bamboo it adds durability and softness while maintaining the sheen and airiness of silk. I can already think of a product this would be perfect for!
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