DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
: The idea behind this design was to create a collection inspired by nature, multicolor flowers such as orchids and tulps which later turned into floral patterns for the dresses silhouette. Something that is timeless and ageless, with full of contrast by simplicity and luxury, beauty and decadence, representing the purist of the feminine fashion.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
: The focus on this work was to create a dress that can be worn for any occasion. In the context of high-fashion, the possibility was to create a bodycon dress which is modern but also timeless designed with a slim fit cut to meet the highest standards of the modern woman. The multicolor patterns which are each different flowers and plants that have been artfully implemented into the pattern with silk fabric.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
: The future plan is to collaborate with other fashion brands and designers and also exhibit in trade shows among the fall/winter and spring/summer seasons.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
: It is done in three weeks, maximum five. You have no incubation time for ideas, and incubation time is very important, gathering research — mood boards, books. Later I choose things they feel are worth developing.
I did it very often, as on my fashion shows where running, I would sit with the whole creative team at a big table and have a dialogue. 'What have you seen?' What do you find modern? Old?
The moment I think this is an interesting thing to try,' things go very fast, since I want it to be made in the present instead for future, because than my interest changes to something totally different.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
: The particular concept is to create a minimalistic but still modern look, something between high street and high fashion. A dress that is wearable without being overdress for an inducement.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
: The plan is to sell this design to stockist such as retailers and fashion stores.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
: The target customer is the modern women, a dress created without a need of a dresscode.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
: The name is dedicated to floral fashion, which means its inspired by the botanic creation, the different flowers and plants that nature has brought.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
: The first process is the sketch by paper and later implemented by CAD software.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
: It is realised with the work of pattern makers and an atelier tailleur.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
: The research was influenced from nature and gardens with its different plants. It took me many photography by my own to decide later which flower would be implemented as a pattern.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
: Managing to get all of your raw materials (fabrics, trims, haberdashery, etc) all to your manufacturer at the same time to start your production and then sending it all out to stores in different corners of the world (each with their own customs procedures) in only 2 months can be a nightmare, even for those with great forward planning and troubleshooting skills.
All of this is to say that one of the key drivers of the concept will be your entrepreneurial skills and your commitment to running a business. In order to be successful, you should think of yourself as a CEO first, fashion designer second. Therefore, you will have a great deal of responsibility and important business decisions will face you each and every day. The buck stops at you and the business should always be at the forefront of your mind, not just an afterthought, which makes it hard to be creative in designing and at same time managing the business.
This is a disadvantage for many other designers or creative directors since they spend too much time on finding inspiration for their work rather than realise their project.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
: The history of fashion is the history of longing. Nobody is born stylish. Everybody wants to be a little memorable, and some would like to be somebody else, or more like the self we see in the better part of our minds. It’s about one hundred years since fashion took its place alongside literature, painting and music as a way to look for the social essence of one’s era. But a given, poetical reality like that of the weather, or the light peculiar to a certain hour of the day.’ So I tried to recall the passage, with the origin source, that has started with the nature before anything else.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
: One should always challenge yourself in order to reach your next goal. This is an extremely exciting and energizing situation to be in.
You should always focus on the work and not get distracted. Theres nothing more worst than the stagnancy. The creative work is a never ending dialogue which makes it impossible to waste time.
I think if I had more time, I would reject more things, and bring other ideas or concepts in. But that’s also not necessarily better. Sometimes you can work things to death when you take too much time.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
: The interview about my personal work can be visited here: https://competition.adesignaward.com/designer-interview.php?profile=152879