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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

: Art and Costume history, and random conversation with people.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

: I tried to minimized details and constructions but still tried to keep the Baroque silhouette. The stretching wool emphasizes the historical mood as well as imposed feminine and modern feelings.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

: This collection was very well balanced between editorial pieces and commercial pieces so I wish to have fashion exhibitions or collaboration work with other artists.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

: This collection took 4 months to finish. Developing the concept was not much taking the time but figuring out the garment constructions and sourcing the good fabrics were taking efforts and time.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

: Because I want to merge the history of costume with a minimalistic vision to this collection. The costume history of the Rococo period was very lavish that point was opposite with minimalism. The idea was inspired me to incorporate these two inspirations.

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 collection is produced at the factories where based in NYC. I sell some commercial pieces through the brand website.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

: I mostly inspired by arts; music, paintings, and all types of art, and tried to incorporate art history with minimalism. Merging history with a contemporary viewpoint that is the interesting point of my work.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

: I researched both; the latest trend and vintage archives. Two different ways gave me lots of inspiration and help me to figure out the construction problems.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

: Most of our target customers are professional and art based women who are between mid-20s to 40s.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

: The process of incorporating minimalism with Rococo history means corporating two opposite ideas. It is hard to find the right process and make the garment as a wearable piece. But the process can show how to interpret the costume history to contemporary imagery.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

: It was just a simple way. The collection is inspired by the history of Rococo costume and at that time I want to use artificial material; such as neoprene and tinsel knit. Trying to interpret history as a materiality vision with minimal shape and design.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

: I am very old-fashioned people so mostly starting from drawing sketches and imagine myself. Visiting art exhibitions and conversation with friends; who are in the art field.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

: Oversized and structured shape with simplified details and finest finish.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

: This collection is made by myself and sometimes got help from the pattern makers and sewers.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

: No, this collection is based on the inspiration from the history of costume and interpretation of the materiality.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

: The hardest challenging is balancing between wearable and conceptual pieces.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

: Because I am working as a freelance designer based in New York, and I led my brand; S'MM. As an emerging designer, it is very hard to outstanding and presents myself. But International design competitions offer various sponsorships and mentorship that really helps the emerging designers.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

: I think that working hard and then make mistakes that is the key point to improve myself. Also, listening to the customer's voice is very valuable.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

: Thank you A'Design Award!