Meet the Maker: Julkee Fashion

Julkee: Unique, contemporary clothing for South Asian women.

My name is Julie Patel and I am a self taught designer and seamstress based in Raleigh NC. I have always had interest in fashion and would play around and alter my clothing to make it unique. My mom noticed and gifted me a sewing machine and I taught myself how to sew. After a few years of making things for myself others took notice and began asking me to make things for them as well. Slowly it turned into a business.

Julkee is a childhood nickname given to me by my dad.  I started the brand for a number of reasons. First being that I had shelves of sarees accumulate over the years that were not being used. Yet I kept buying new saris or dresses every time there was a wedding or occasion to attend. Second, after becoming a mom I quickly realized that saris (and most South Asian clothing for that matter) were terribly uncomfortable. After experimenting with repurposing my own saris many came to me with their own to transform into something more wearable.

I love the transformation process of using old to make new and the joy it brings to my customers when they see the final outcome. I hope to help them save space in their closet and take their style to the next level. Custom collaboration with the customer always results in something unique and personalized.