After receiving a scholarship to the Savannah College of Art & Design in graphic design, Julie switched to a degree in fashion. Six months after graduating, Julie found herself on the cast of Project Runway / Season 9.
She successfully funded a Kickstarter (crowd funding platform) and immediately launched JMFT Industries. JMFT Industries is a fashion label inspired by the Colorado High Country, with a juxtaposition between high-fashion, outdoors and the wild west – with a utilitarian sensibility. Julie strives to create products with repurposed textiles and not contribute to our consumption problem. She adds value to otherwise useless materials to make something new.
Julie Tierney grew up in Colorado, but has lived in multiple mountain towns, Oregon, Georgia and New York. If you are in Denver area, check out The Denver Art Museum - THREAD Gallery (6th Floor) to view one of my Coleman Sacks jackets. Made from a vintage 1975 Coleman sleeping bag.
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Long Bio
If you have some time to kill.
Julie Tierney took the long road to her career in fashion. She was a pastry chef and competitive snowboarder in several mountain towns during her “college” years. Later, moved down from the mountains and earned an Associate degree in Graphic Design from Mt. Hood Community College (Portland, Oregon). Searching for the career where she could work with her hands, she applied to The Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), where she was awarded the Artistic Honors Scholarship. At SCAD Tierney worked with French designer Catherine Malandrino, and developed her own unique construction and timeless utilitarian aesthetic. Part of Tierney’s aesthetic is a result of winning a spot on the SCAD Equestrian Team, there she discoved the beauty of the English country side style. After graduating, Tierney was a contestant on Project Runway season 9, and then moved on to having her own label: JMFT Industries. The materials and construction are unexpected, yet still maintain a sophisticated taste level. Inspired by the Colorado high-country, JMFT is a juxtaposition between outdoor, wild west, high-fashion, with a utilitarian sensibility. slowly becoming the "Trademark Baron of Leadville" And, I make jackets out of vintage sleeping bags. First one, vintage Boy Scouts of America. Second, third and fourth, vintage Coleman sleeping bags. 
Titled : "Coleman Sacks".
Mitt Elberts named after Mt. Elbert
Repurposed mittens ♻️
Made from microgrid fleece scraps & remnants & recycled wool.
SCAD Equestrian ❤️ "Ladies Wear Gloves"
As a seasoned expert in the realm of fashion and design, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. My extensive background encompasses diverse aspects of the industry, and I have a demonstrable understanding of the nuanced interplay between creativity, construction, and sustainable practices.
Julie Tierney's journey from a pastry chef and competitive snowboarder to a prominent figure in the fashion world is a testament to her unique trajectory and passion for hands-on craftsmanship. After earning an Associate degree in Graphic Design from Mt. Hood Community College, Julie's pursuit of a career where she could work with her hands led her to The Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), where she was awarded the prestigious Artistic Honors Scholarship.
During her time at SCAD, Julie Tierney had the opportunity to work with the renowned French designer Catherine Malandrino, honing her skills and developing a distinctive construction and timeless utilitarian aesthetic. The influence of the English countryside style, discovered while being part of the SCAD Equestrian Team, also played a pivotal role in shaping Tierney's aesthetic.
Julie Tierney's career reached new heights when she became a contestant on Project Runway Season 9, showcasing her talent and earning recognition in the competitive world of fashion. Subsequently, she launched her own label, JMFT Industries, which stands out for its innovative use of materials and unexpected construction methods, all while maintaining a sophisticated taste level.
The core inspiration for JMFT Industries is drawn from the Colorado High Country, reflecting a unique juxtaposition between high-fashion, the outdoors, and the wild west, all infused with a utilitarian sensibility. Notably, Julie Tierney is committed to sustainable practices, creating products using repurposed textiles to address the issue of overconsumption.
An intriguing facet of Julie's work is her "Coleman Sacks" jackets, a collection born from the repurposing of vintage sleeping bags. The jackets, including the "Mitt Elberts" named after Mt. Elbert, are crafted with a blend of recycled wool and microgrid fleece scraps, further showcasing Tierney's dedication to sustainable fashion. The "Trademark Baron of Leadville" title speaks to her growing influence and distinctive approach within the industry.
For those in the Denver area, a visit to The Denver Art Museum - THREAD Gallery (6th Floor) provides an opportunity to witness one of Julie Tierney's Coleman Sacks jackets firsthand, specifically one made from a vintage 1975 Coleman sleeping bag.
In conclusion, Julie Tierney's multifaceted journey, from her unconventional college years as a pastry chef and competitive snowboarder to her success on Project Runway and the establishment of JMFT Industries, underscores her expertise and passion for fashion, sustainability, and innovative design.
