JACOB PASCO
Stitching Creativity and Purpose into a Meaningful Future
My connection to fashion began with a friend I met in the later years of high school. He had a way of standing out, not just with his bold outfits but with his confidence in each piece he wore. Through him, I came to understand that
fashion is not just about fabric or trends;
it’s a way to express the hidden corners of our personality,
a creative outlet to showcase parts of ourselves that words often cannot.
As a first-generation immigrant, I’ve always felt a responsibility to honour the sacrifices my parents made to give me a better future. Driven by their dreams for me, I pursued mechanical engineering at university, a field that promised stability and opportunity. But during the first few years of my academic journey, I realized that while engineering challenged my analytical mind, it didn’t quite satisfy the creative hunger within me. I needed more — a way to blend problem-solving with artistic expression.
This inner conflict led me down a rabbit hole, exploring the deep history and cultural significance of fashion.
I became fascinated by how garments have always reflected the times — how men’s and women’s fashion were rooted in traditional roles in the 1900s, how workwear evolved differently in Japan and America, and how those histories intertwined.
One discovery that truly captivated me was the story of denim.
As I learned about Levi’s origins and how Japan repurposed America’s old shuttle looms to create their own high-quality denim, I stumbled upon sashiko stitching. This traditional Japanese technique was originally used by farmers to mend and reinforce clothing they couldn’t afford to replace.
What struck me most was not just the practicality of sashiko,
but its beauty and sustainability. It turned necessity into art.
That connection between creativity, history, and sustainability ignited something within me. Sashiko resonated deeply with my values as an engineering student, where sustainable solutions are a core principle. I taught myself the technique and began experimenting with creating unique pieces.
This passion led me to start a small business, focusing on altering and mending clothes in a way that combined style and sustainability. My goal was simple: to show people that they didn’t need to rely on fast fashion.
to show people that they didn’t need to rely on fast fashion.
Instead, they could embrace individuality by customizing and preserving the clothing they already owned.
To keep the process environmentally friendly, I sourced all my materials from thrift stores, giving old clothes a second life. Each design was inspired by a blend of sashiko stitching, patchworking, workwear, and military aesthetics.
One of my favourite pieces was a pair of pants I made for the very friend who introduced me to fashion. It was a way to pay tribute to the impact he had on my life and style.
Even as my designs gained attention, my responsibilities as a student remained my top priority.
Balancing schoolwork, personal goals, and the business became a challenge, especially as I entered the later years of my program. My parents’ dreams for my future weighed heavily on me, and I knew I couldn’t let them down. For now, the business is on pause as I focus on completing my degree and finishing strong.
But this is not the end of my story. If anything, it’s a pause to prepare for the next chapter. By God’s grace, once I graduate, I plan to return to my business with renewed energy and fresh ideas.
My vision is to expand on the foundation I’ve built — creating more innovative pieces, raising awareness about sustainable fashion, and inspiring others to find their own creative outlets.
That pivotal moment in high school, when my friend introduced me to the expressive power of fashion, sparked a journey that transformed how I see myself and the world. Today, as an engineering student driven by a passion for sustainability and design, I’m eager to blend these disciplines into a future that celebrates both creativity and purpose.
Explore Jacob’s collections @tela.jp
