Meet Sarah Valentin and Julia Harris | Sarah – Fashion designer & stylist / Julia – Musician and Fashion designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Valentin and Julia Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah Valentin and Julia Harris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We are Julia and Sarah, sisters and social entrepreneurs, deeply committed to making a positive impact on the world. Our shared passion for sustainable fashion, music, art, and community has driven us to create a business that embodies these values in every aspect.

At DATI, our Slow fashion brand, we strive to redefine the concept of fashion by curating unique collections from handpicked vintage and secondhand items. We believe that fashion should not only be a means of self-expression but also a way to promote ethical practices and environmental consciousness.

To ensure that our garments are not only stylish but also sustainable, we meticulously select ethically sourced fabrics that have minimal impact on the environment. By repurposing and upcycling existing materials, we contribute to reducing waste in the fashion industry and promote a circular economy.

We take great pride in our designs, which have garnered recognition and been featured in professional publications such as Photo Vogue and Dazed magazine. Our commitment to sustainability and our innovative approach to fashion has resonated with both consumers and industry experts alike.

However, our mission extends beyond creating beautiful clothing. We believe in the power of community and actively work towards fostering a sense of togetherness and collaboration.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are a unique business, two sisters who share a harmonious relationship and a common vision for life. Our collaboration has been crucial to our success. Together, we have built a sustainable fashion brand that not only reflects our values but also resonates with our customers. Our studios, located in the vibrant city of Cardiff, Wales, serve as a hub for creativity and innovation in the fashion industry. Within our studio walls, a community of talented sustainable fashion designers and other creatives thrives, each contributing their unique perspective and expertise to our collective vision. We believe that by fostering this collaborative environment, we can push the boundaries of sustainable fashion and create truly exceptional pieces that make a positive impact on the world.

We are immensely proud of our journey. Eight years ago, we fell in love with a large warehouse, despite people thinking we were crazy. With determination and creativity, we transformed the space on a tight budget. This studio became a hub for our fashion brand and exciting projects. Now, we are renovating a new space, continuing our legacy.
We are eagerly looking forward to unveiling this new space, which will undoubtedly become a haven for creativity, collaboration, and boundless possibilities.

Lots of determination and self-belief are crucial for achieving success. Rather than giving up in the face of challenges, it is important to embrace problem-solving. Make the most of your gifts and talents. Do not hesitate to take risks and acquire new skills. Growth occurs when you step out of your comfort zone. It is also essential to show respect and cultivate positive business relationships with others.

It is always challenging, but it becomes more manageable when you view it as something you enjoy rather than work. Although there are moments of stress, having a sister who supports you enables both of you to uplift each other. Approach the journey with a positive attitude.

Having a dream is what keeps you going. It’s the motivation that fuels your determination and pushes you to never give up, no matter the obstacles you may face along the way. Even on those tough and challenging days, it’s important to remember to stay focused on the present moment. Take each day as it comes, one step at a time, knowing that every small effort you make brings you closer to your goal. Believe in yourself and your abilities, for you have the strength and resilience to overcome any adversity that comes your way. Trust in the process, and have faith that your dreams are within reach. Keep pushing forward, and remember that you are capable of achieving greatness.

We’ve discovered our resilience and the power of doing more with less. Passion for people and fashion has connected us with incredible individuals. It’s amazing how little finance can achieve. We’re grateful for the opportunities and friendships that working in this industry has brought us.

We are more than just a fashion brand and studio. Our passion lies in creating meaningful experiences that resonate with individuals. We strongly believe in the power of creative communities and the impact they have on society. Designing clothes is not just a job for us; it is a source of joy and fulfillment, especially when we see others wearing our creations. Our ultimate goal is to inspire and uplift those who are on their own creative journey. We are committed to supporting the talent and creative industries in Wales, as we believe in the importance of nurturing and celebrating local talent. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey of creativity and collaboration. Together, we can make a difference and create a vibrant and thriving artistic community.

We’re excited to share that we create one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly wearable clothes using upcycled fabrics. Our designs are vibrant, distinctive, and infused with a touch of Welsh charm. We’re not just a fashion brand and studio. Meaningful experiences drive us. We value creative communities. Designing clothes brings us joy, especially when others wear them. Our goal is to inspire those on a creative journey and support the talent and creative industries in Wales.

Introducing our latest collection, ‘Reimagine Vintage’. We’ve transformed second-hand and vintage materials into visually stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. Inspired by vintage Americana, our designs feature vintage tapestry horse fabric, pre-loved jeans, patchwork remnants, vintage scarfs, and men’s oversized blazers.

But that’s not all! We are incredibly thrilled that we have been given the opportunity to design stagewear for Welsh musicians and bands who will be performing at the highly acclaimed South by Southwest music festival in Texas. This prestigious event brings together the finest talents from around the world, and we are honored to be a part of it. We are working tirelessly to create stage outfits that not only reflect the unique style and personality of each artist but also enhance their performances on stage.

As we continue to push the boundaries of creativity join us in celebrating sustainable fashion that’s both stylish and kind to the planet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We live in Cardiff the capital city in Wales which offers a blend of history, welsh culture, and local attractions. We are a friendly city with lots to offer. A visit to our studio of course to see our lovely studio and meet some Welsh creatives, which is located not far from the principality stadium which hosts big rugby matches especially if you are a big sports fan, and also offers guided tours. We would keep it within walking distance so definitely a stroll around our Victorian arcades which have some amazing independent shops selling vintage clothes, and local coffee. Then on to Cardiff Market where you’ll meet the locals and a variety of stalls selling our iconic Welsh cakes, local crafts, and delicious food. To finish up we would head down to Cardiff Bay, and head to the Millennium Centre, a striking arts venue. Then enjoy a walk on the waterfront and finish up in one of the bars or restaurants.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We are incredibly grateful to our parents, husbands, and children for their unwavering support. Their love and encouragement have been instrumental in our journey. We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the creative studio community for their invaluable contributions to our success. Their passion and talent have greatly inspired us to keep pushing forward. We are truly inspired by their dedication and camaraderie.

Website: https://www.dati.clothing/ https://www.thesustainable.studio/home

Instagram: @daticlothing / @thesustainable.studio

Facebook: DA-TI / The Sustainable Studio Community

Image Credits
Personal photo Image of Julia and Sarah ( horizontal image ) – Hannah Timm Photography Additional Images of Dati clothing and our ‘Reimagine Vintage’ collection – Siria Ferrer photo