Creator Spotlight

08.21.23

Jaden Rossini is a Michigan-based Fashion Designer and founder of Burrough Archive. Blending 90’s grunge, brutalism, and utilitarian styles, he champions sustainability through the use of organic materials and ethical sourcing. In his debut show in May, Jaden showcased captivating looks inspired by brutalism, minimalism, and the natural aging of materials.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

JR: My name is Jaden Rossini, and I grew up in a small town in Mid-Michigan called Saginaw. During middle school and high school I attended an art-based school where I became infatuated with fashion as an art medium. Although I loved to design and create, I never trusted myself and had a bad habit of telling myself I wasn't good enough to be a fashion designer. I knew that if I didn't pursue fashion that I would regret it for the rest of my life, so I went all in. I applied to larger fashion schools in the US such as FIT and SCAD and even more local schools in Michigan. I was lucky enough to be accepted into a lot of great schools, but I ended up choosing to stay in Michigan and go to Detroit to save money. I'm so happy I did because it led to where I am today, and I fell in love with the city of Detroit.

Your inspirations…

JR: Detroit itself has been one of my biggest inspirations. Its raw grit, history, and art has infatuated me. There are many Detroit references within my work with the name of my brand being the biggest one. The name Burrough Archive comes from my first apartment in Detroit that was on Burroughs St. This is where the brand started and where my collection of ideas first came to life. Detroit's architecture and lifestyle has also greatly influenced my designs. I also take a lot of inspiration from my personal upbringing. Both of my parents are working class individuals who have taught me the value of work and how to appreciate the simple things. My first show was directly influenced by my father who is a firefighter.

JR: I am also greatly influenced by many of the legends in the fashion industry such as Martin Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto, and Carol Christian Poell. I love to reference some of my favorite work from them when I can.

What you are currently working on/future aspirations…

JR: I am currently working on a new capsule set to drop in September that will be accompanied with a popup in Downtown Detroit. I am looking forward to expanding my brand and I am always working on new collections.

I would like to congratulate you on your very first show that took place in May with a theme of sustainability. I know for the show you created three looks based on brutalism, minimalism, and how natural materials last and fade over time. You also stated that you were focused on ethical sourcing and using organic materials as much as you could.

If you could bottle up the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment after your first show as a scent, what fragrance or aroma would it be?

JR: I'm not sure if tears have a smell, but if they do that is what the post show aroma would have been -- tears of joy and accomplishment.

Can you describe any innovative or unconventional techniques you've employed in your designs to minimize waste or promote circularity within the fashion industry?

JR: I wouldn’t say I did anything super unconventional. By choosing to use only natural fabrics and organic when I could, it reduces my environmental impact as all of my pieces will wear and age and become one with the earth again.

Have you collaborated with local artisans or craftsmen who specialize in working with sustainable materials?

JR: I am lucky enough to be around a lot of other creative, sustainable designers who also live in Detroit. Some of whom are my best friends. Their creativity and ingenuity always inspires me.

How do you envision the relationship between your designs and the environment they inhabit? How does your work interact with its surroundings?

JR: It's definitely a symbiotic relationship. Detroit has influenced my work greatly and will continue to do so for the unforeseeable future. The city can be cold and brutal and Burrough Archive is the result of that. I would say my work blends into the Motor City but stands out just enough for it to be original and unique.

Your brand, Burrough Archive, is “an outlet for personal creation and expression, idealizing youth culture while focusing on creating The Uniform.” It also focuses on quality pieces that feature unique cuts and silhouettes inspired by 90's grunge, brutalism, and utilitarian looks.

If you could describe your thought process as a natural phenomenon, what would it be? How do the forces, elements, and transformations encapsulate the essence of your creative thinking and expression?

JR: I would describe my thought process as an earthquake. Earthquakes are inevitable and can not be predicted. They are caused by the slipping of tectonic plates that are constantly being pushed against each other. I would describe my thought process very similarly – constant but unpredictable. I am always trying to be aware and open to new ideas. Until, out of nowhere, there will be an epiphany or a great idea. In this case it would be the slipping of the tectonic plates which creates an earthquake of an idea.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Burrough Archive? How do you plan to evolve and continue exploring the intersection of brutalism, minimalism, and the fading beauty of natural materials?

JR: I started Burrough Archive as a personal project for myself and didn’t really expect to garner much public attention. I am super grateful and pleasantly surprised that people do enjoy and wear my work. I plan to continue designing, creating, and evolving the Burrough Archive story. I want to dive deeper into the design philosophy of brutalism by studying the forms and shapes of its architecture and how it can manifest themselves into clothing. Focusing on the natural life cycle of a garment and showcasing the different stages of wear through different pieces or collections could be very interesting.

How do you plan to continue incorporating sustainability into your future fashion endeavors? Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have in mind to further promote sustainable practices within the fashion industry?

JR: I will always keep sustainability as an important aspect to my work. I only use natural materials that can be biodegradable in my work and will continue to do so. I want to make sure that all of my products are made ethically with little to no waste possible. I hope to be able to move to more domestic manufacturing in the future and source materials all locally.

In what ways do you aim to capture the core of the everyday person in a daily uniform? How do you ensure it remains relatable and accessible while still embodying your unique vision?

JR: I focus on comfortability while maintaining my ideal form and shape. I like to use baggier, looser silhouettes that anybody can feel comfortable in. Like I stated before my pieces are just unique enough to stand out while still being able to blend in within an urban setting. I am inspired by the working class of past generations and many of my pieces have nods to the blue collar life.

JR: It’s corny but believe in yourselves. Just keep working, keep designing, and keep trying. There will always be bumps in the road but as long as you are consistent and persistent you will achieve more than you could have ever dreamed.

JR: As of right now Horime by Brutalismus 3000 has been on constant repeat. Perfect song to run, lift, and even work to. Definitely a banger.

JR: Neapolitan pizza will always be superior but hot honey on pizza has been life changing.

JR: He was actually already featured on the Creative Kids but my best friend Clay Barckholtz is definitely someone to watch. There’s so much attention to detail and imagination to his work. He is always an inspiration and a great person to bounce ideas off of.

Keep up to date with Jaden and explore more of his work below, and check out his brand, Burrough Archive.