MEET PRU: IN THEIR OWN WORDS

It started with a search for something that wasn’t a button-down, not a basic tee, and definitely not a baby tee. We wanted something with texture. With shape. With a little bite. A tee that can do the work—date night, errands, travel, lounging, whatever you want. What we found: PRU. Designed by Brooklyn-based Prudence McCallum, PRU is a line of one-off garments cut from reworked deadstock, built with intention, and made to move—adjustable, unisex, and constructed with a fit that considers a range of bodies. We caught up with Prudence to talk origin stories, creative fuel, and what they're doing on the perfect day in Brooklyn. Read on and meet PRU, in their own words.

THIS COLLECTION SEEMS LIKE A LABOR OF LOVE AND INGENUITY WHILE AT THE SAME TIME BEING VERY WEARABLE AND VERSATILE. WHAT PROMPTED THE ORIGINS OF PRU?

Thanks so much! It all started when I made a custom cotton button-up shirt as a present for my partner’s birthday. I hadn’t made anything myself in years, and was feeling burned out working long hours in the fashion industry. It made me so happy to see how pleased my partner was with the fit and details, and how excited they were to wear it everywhere. That gave me the confidence to make more clothes for friends, and they would tell me how good my clothes made them feel—whether it was affirming their gender or just being comfortable in their bodies. That means a lot to me and encouraged me to continue, and that’s how it’s evolved into what PRU is now.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO IN YOUR STUDIO THAT GETS THE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING?

Music is so important to me, so I always have something playing when I’m in the studio. My taste is all over the place, but I often listen to Everything But The Girl, PinkPantheress, Lush, Sugababes, The Blood Brothers, and the Aeon Flux original soundtrack while I work.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FASHION OBSESSION OR THE THING THAT MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH FASHION TO BEGIN WITH?

As a kid, I was obsessed with Storm from the X-Men animated TV series in the ‘90s. That might have been my first fashion obsession. And then as a teen, I was very inspired by the fashion in Gregg Araki movies like Doom Generation and Nowhere. I think watching films like Gregg’s, and also Fellini’s Satyricon, and the Aeon Flux animated TV series made me want to go to school for fashion.

WHAT HAVE YOU WATCHED OR READ RECENTLY THAT STUCK WITH YOU? ANY PODCASTS OR SHOWS YOU’RE BINGING?

I recently watched this beautiful Moroccan film called The Blue Caftan that came out a few years ago. It’s a really layered Arabic-language story about love, acceptance, and commitment to craft and beauty that I highly recommend. A show that I’ve been trying my best not to binge—because I want it to last forever—is the recent Cristóbal Balenciaga biographical drama miniseries. It’s really well done and inspiring to see a glimpse of a designer so ahead of his time.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON YOUR IDEAL SUMMER DAY IN BROOKLYN?

In the morning I’m making Turkish coffee and drinking it while holding one of my cats as we look outside at our backyard to watch the bird activity together. Then I’ll meet up with my friend in the neighborhood and walk to Highland Park together to play tennis and take a walk by the reservoir. Then I’ll probably just chill at home and watch a movie with my partner—I’m a bit of a homebody haha.

CAN YOU SHARE YOUR BEST VINTAGE FIND RECENTLY?

I bought this stunning ’50s gown from Estonian designer Eleanora Garnett at The Way We Wore in LA recently. It’s in this icy blue tissue taffeta silk and is kind of a puzzle to put on because it’s a bit of a gathered/twisted/wrapped contraption, but I’m always so inspired by garments like this. The owner of the store, Doris Raymond, is iconic and has an incredible eye—I really loved meeting her and looking through her selections.

FROM THE COLLECTION, DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE GARMENT? AND HOW DO YOU LIKE TO STYLE IT?

I’m really proud of the washed acetate combo bias skirt. Garments that are cut on the true bias are becoming a lost art—they use more fabric and are incredibly difficult to handle while sewing. You need to be very patient and disciplined to pull it off, but the result is beautiful. Bias garments harmonize with the contours of the body. This particular skirt has an évasée effect that travels slightly away from the body, while still in harmony when moving around.

In terms of styling, it’s so versatile. You can wear it with the drawstring closure on the right side so the bias lines of the combo fabric travel down toward the back of the body. You can also take advantage of the long drawstrings and wrap them around your torso; paired with the white pinched tee it creates a playful textured look. It looks great worn inside out—there’s a white contrast basting stitch running diagonally across the skirt that interacts well with the matte/shiny combo acetate materials. Try it with sneakers and an oversized band tee, boots and a bra top, or super tall heels and a slinky top.