THE INFLUENCE: Julie Pelipas

Tell us about you mission to make old cool again with Bettter.

Bettter was in my mind for years while I was working as fashion director of Vogue Ukraine. The concept was to develop a tech solution for reimagining and upcycling deadstock that can be utilised by companies worldwide and Bettter the brand itself is the proof of concept. It was a precise mission and it was born out of my experience at Vogue witnessing the waste and deadstock created from overproduction. Bettter is a B2B tech solution to reevaluate stock and create a new financial stream from upcycling which in itself is a beautiful story.

What is the process behind Bettter?

We remake and reconstruct menswear suiting into women’s clothes using garments that we buy or are donated. Suits offer a brilliant construction that has been developed over the centuries, and one can build tech around metrics using a smart design algorithm that calculates what that garment can be converted into. It cuts out the manual work that previously made upcycling financially unviable.

Tell us about the designs?

It’s a line for modern women which is very functional, unique: true fashion, true values, true quality. The beauty of upcycling is that you can convert a blazer into a dress, or trousers into a skirt and create garments that you have not seen or worn before. I always test the prototypes. The business is financed privately with the help of my husband who works in Fintech.

What do you wear for red carpet events?

One of my suits as I do believe women really need this membrane of confidence when performing on stage, or at conferences whether in the arts, in politics, in or in law. Women’s suits are often too tight, too high on the waist but men’s suits can transform any man into James Bond. I want women to have that structure and smartness. After all, women are great entrepreneurs and leaders.

How about your own wardrobe?

I learnt how to build a wardrobe but only now is it optimized! I have a small selection with the right items: shirts, blazers, jeans, trousers, and Japanese cotton James Perse T shirts.

I also love my feminine side and for date nights the quality of Nensi Dojaka is wonderful and I also wear pieces by my friend, Anna October.

When it comes to jewellery and accessories…

I have a Balenciaga clutch bag made from an upcycled car wing mirror: you can check your make up! The Row is such good quality and I live my life in the Margaux bag. My wedding ring is bespoke and I also collect Ana Khouri – such beautiful designs.

What about your taste in art and design?

I was in the artworld before fashion and as a student I worked as a TV anchor for a cultural show. I love primitivism: it reinforces my belief in art and makes you understand what it is to be human. Francis Bacon is an all-time hero and I adore the choreographer Crystal Pite: her work is breathtaking.

How do you find head space?

I love surfing and heavy techno raves. Once a month I go to a real techno party – the sounds bring me into an inventive mindset. That’s the magic of techno: the rhythm increases your heartbeat to a level that you become hyper alert and high on your own body rhythm.

Your circle of experts?

The biggest teacher in life is yourself; and I believe you need to constantly self-develop. If your body is broken, your mind is broken so I do Ashtanga yoga regularly as it helps with hormone balance. You need to unlock your energy and let it flow. Confession: I used to be a sugar addict and cutting sugar has helped so much. An apple a day is enough!