Interview about Renaissance Trench Coat, winner of the A' Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Award 2018
Love and versatility. A beautiful story emprinted in the fabric, tailoring and concept of this trench'coat, alongside all the other garments of the collection. The uniqueness of this piece is for sure the urban design, minimalistic touch, but what is really surprising here, it rather might be its versatility. Just close your eyes, please. Firstly, you should see a serious person who is going at her serious..blue job. Now, shake your head, and just in front of you you'll see a written blue trench coat, with some 'magnetic thoughts on it. Written by a hand. With love, Reprobable!
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe concept of versatility in the Renaissance Trench Coat was born out of a desire to merge sophistication with spontaneity. From the beginning, I envisioned a piece that could be effortlessly transformed to reflect the fluid nature of personal style. Magnetic elements became a key tool in achieving this vision, allowing the wearer to adjust and reinterpret the garment in real-time. The design evolved as I experimented with placements and discovered the liberating effect these magnets had, encouraging a playful interaction with what might typically be seen as a more structured, traditional piece. This shift from the expected to the surprising embodies the spirit of the Renaissance itself – a time of transformation and innovation.
Jilava Prison, with its haunting echoes of confinement and resilience, profoundly influenced the Renaissance Trench Coat. Designing in response to this setting meant creating something that could carry both weight and hope – love, as a theme, became essential here. I wanted the coat to serve as a bridge between past hardship and present-day freedom, with each detail subtly nodding to stories of endurance and transformation. The trench’s form, slightly restrained yet with layers of freedom in its design, embodies a sense of dignity and liberation. The emotional narrative became a thread woven throughout, giving the garment an identity that honors history while uplifting the human spirit.
Tyvek paper's texture and resilience intrigued me as it mirrors both fragility and strength, much like the layers of human experience. The addition of magnetic closures allowed this material to be utilized in a way that doesn’t restrict movement but instead facilitates a more dynamic relationship with the coat. The magnets create an adaptable structure, inviting wearers to interact with the piece intuitively. This combination elevates the coat from being merely functional to an experience, allowing wearers to feel both empowered and engaged with the garment, constantly adapting it to their style, mood, and even the moment.
The magnetic closure system was groundbreaking, yet it presented a series of technical challenges. One of the most complex aspects was calibrating the magnet strength – strong enough to hold but gentle enough to maintain flexibility. Additionally, integrating these closures without disrupting the trench’s clean lines and functionality was challenging. However, overcoming these hurdles has broadened the possibilities for functional, interactive fashion. Innovations like this push the industry toward designs that are adaptable and user-centered, demonstrating that high fashion can also be versatile and deeply personal.
Balancing minimalism with emotional storytelling is at the heart of the Renaissance Trench Coat. I focused on paring down the design to its essential form, allowing each element to serve a purpose while leaving space for the wearer’s story. The simplicity of the silhouette respects the coat’s functional role, yet each detail, from the fabric choice to the magnetic closures, offers layers of meaning and personal connection. This approach allows the garment to be both a professional staple and a vessel for self-expression, merging elegance with depth in a way that feels natural and impactful.
Creating the Renaissance Trench Coat to fit multiple sizes required thoughtful design choices and precise technical solutions to maintain both comfort and aesthetic integrity across a range of body types. I focused on a tailored yet adaptable structure, incorporating strategically placed pleats and adjustable features, such as the magnetic closures, which allow the wearer to customize the fit. These elements enable the garment to adapt to the body’s natural shape, providing a refined silhouette regardless of size. This approach not only expands accessibility but reinforces the coat's adaptability, offering inclusivity without compromising on design or quality.
The dual-purpose design of the Renaissance Trench Coat reflects my vision of a future where fashion adapts fluidly to the wearer’s needs and emotions. In a world that increasingly values individuality, I believe garments should serve as more than fixed statements – they should be versatile canvases that respond to the wearer’s changing identity and context. The magnetic elements in the coat enable this adaptability, allowing a seamless transition from formal to expressive with just a gesture. This innovation is a step towards a future where clothing is interactive, intuitive, and an extension of one’s personal journey.
The handwritten messages emerged from a desire to embed a tangible, personal connection into the Renaissance Trench Coat. In a world of mass production, the simplicity of a handwritten note feels almost revolutionary – it’s an intimate touch that speaks directly to the wearer. Each message serves as a reminder of humanity within the garment, carrying sentiments that connect past experiences with the present. This feature bridges fashion and emotional expression, turning the coat into more than an article of clothing; it becomes a silent dialogue, an invitation to feel, reflect, and remember.
Wool, with its timeless warmth and durability, offered the traditional foundation I sought, while the magnetic elements introduced a fresh, modern twist. This blend was intentional, as I wanted the coat to feel grounded in heritage yet adaptable for today’s dynamic lifestyle. Wool provides structure and resilience, essential for long-lasting wear, while the magnetic closures inject a fluid, contemporary element that transforms the coat’s functionality. This fusion exemplifies a balance between the enduring and the innovative, making the Renaissance Trench Coat versatile across contexts without compromising on quality or character.
Receiving the Silver A' Design Award has been both an honor and an affirmation of the coat’s purpose and vision. This recognition has strengthened my resolve to continue exploring fashion as a medium for social commentary. It reminds me that garments can transcend their material form to evoke thought and emotion. Moving forward, I’m inspired to push boundaries even further, not only in aesthetic or technical terms but also in the way designs can engage with themes of history, identity, and human connection. The award underscores that fashion has the power to communicate profoundly and shape our cultural landscape.
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