Interview about Hopes and Beliefs Suit, winner of the A' Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Award 2020
Lesson Seven, Hopes and Beliefs Collection, talks about the handcution, about the servil introvert, about invisible self. Through Hopes and Beliefs Collection, the designer wanted to confess about the inner struggle of the self, with the chimes that lie in our subconscious, about traumas. The Campaign was realized at the oldest political prison 13th Fort, the scariest from Europa, after the nazist lagar. But unexpected, the place sends positive emotions, acceptance, understandings, love, and the most important thing - hope.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe fabric selection process for the Hopes and Beliefs Suit was both meticulous and intentional. My goal was to repurpose industrial fabrics—materials typically associated with functionality and resilience—into a medium for storytelling and personal expression. I began by exploring materials that carry intrinsic symbolism, such as Tyvek, which is lightweight, durable, and has a paper-like quality that evokes fragility and strength simultaneously. This juxtaposition was crucial to embody the duality of hope and belief.I also considered how the tactile and visual properties of the fabrics would interact with the garment’s design. Industrial fabrics like Tyvek challenge the idea of luxury in fashion by introducing a raw, utilitarian aesthetic, yet they can be elevated through innovative tailoring and finishes. This tension between the ordinary and the extraordinary reinforces the suit's narrative.
The experience evoked a deep sense of introspection. The prison cell, with its somber history and palpable silence, symbolized confinement not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually. It was a space where belief and hope were likely the only sources of comfort and resilience for its occupants. This duality of despair and resilience became the foundation for the suit's narrative.I wanted the suit to serve as a metaphorical bridge between the weight of history and the lightness of hope. It tells a story of overcoming, where each stitch and fabric choice reflects the layers of human emotion—fear, resilience, and the ultimate triumph of belief over adversity.
The magnetic locking system in the Hopes and Beliefs Suit was inspired by the concept of adaptability and fluidity in both fashion and life. This innovation reflects the idea that clothing, much like individuals, should evolve to suit different circumstances. The system allows the suit to transform seamlessly between styles, encouraging wearers to express themselves in multiple ways with a single garment.The inspiration came from observing the resilience and creativity required to navigate challenging environments, like those symbolized by the prison. Magnets, in their simplicity and functionality, represent a connection—holding elements together effortlessly. This mirrors the way belief and hope act as invisible forces that keep us grounded during life’s transformations. By integrating this system, I wanted to create a garment that speaks to the wearer’s adaptability, connecting body, soul, and environment in a harmonious way.
Photographing the Hopes and Beliefs Suit at Europe’s oldest political prison was a deliberate and symbolic choice to highlight the paradox of hope emerging from darkness. This setting provided a poignant backdrop for the collection, amplifying its emotional depth and message.The prison, with its weathered walls and haunting history, embodies the weight of oppression and confinement. By placing the suit—a symbol of resilience, belief, and transformation—in this environment, I sought to create a visual dialogue between past and present, despair and optimism. The contrast serves as a reminder that even in the bleakest moments, hope has the power to emerge and inspire.
The belt-on peplum and Peter Pan-style trousers were designed to embody the themes of the "servile introvert" and the "invisible self" by blending elements of restraint and subtle rebellion. The peplum, with its structured yet fluid design, symbolizes a contained expression of individuality—reflecting the introvert’s struggle to balance visibility and self-containment. The belt further emphasizes this restraint, as if holding back a hidden energy waiting to emerge.The Peter Pan-style trousers, on the other hand, represent a quiet defiance of convention. Their playful, almost childlike silhouette contrasts with the seriousness of traditional tailoring, reflecting the "invisible self"—the part of us that yearns to break free from societal expectations and reclaim authenticity. Together, these elements create a visual narrative of introspection, control, and the understated power of self-discovery.
The Hopes and Beliefs Suit was a deliberate exercise in transforming negative emotions—such as fear, confinement, and doubt—into positive, empowering experiences through design. This psychological transformation is reflected in several key elements:1. Material Choice:The use of industrial fabrics like Tyvek, typically associated with harshness and utilitarianism, was transformed into something elegant and expressive. This process mirrors the act of finding beauty and resilience in challenging circumstances.2. Magnetic Locking System:The innovative magnetic closures symbolize connection and adaptability. While negative emotions can feel isolating, these closures remind us of the ease with which we can reconnect and transform when we embrace flexibility and change.3. Belt-on Peplum and Structured Silhouette:The structured peplum represents control over chaos, turning emotional restraint into a poised, confident form. The added belt suggests agency—wearers can "cinch in" their emotions, harnessing them constructively rather than letting them overwhelm.4. Subtle Playfulness in Design:Elements like the Peter Pan-style trousers introduce a sense of whimsy and lightness, counteracting heaviness and negativity. This playful touch encourages optimism and a sense of curiosity about the future.Through these details, the suit becomes more than just clothing—it’s a narrative of turning life’s struggles into symbols of growth and resilience. It invites the wearer to carry hope and belief, transforming challenges into opportunities for self-expression and empowerment.
Earning the A' Design Award for the Hopes and Beliefs Suit was a profound validation of my belief that fashion can and should address emotional and psychological dimensions. This recognition reinforced the idea that design is not just about aesthetics or functionality but also about creating meaningful connections with people’s inner lives. It affirmed that there is a global audience that values fashion as a medium for storytelling and personal expression.This acknowledgment has deepened my commitment to designing garments that go beyond the surface, encouraging wearers to engage with themes of resilience, transformation, and hope. It also inspired me to explore new ways of embedding emotional narratives into my work, using fashion as a tool for empowerment and self-reflection. Knowing that these ideas resonate on an international scale has been both humbling and motivating, pushing me to continue innovating in ways that connect with both the body and the soul.
The warm nuances in the Hopes and Beliefs Suit were carefully chosen to evoke a sense of comfort, optimism, and emotional balance, aligning with the garment's therapeutic intent. The color selection process was rooted in psychological principles, where warmer tones like soft beige, muted gold, or warm greys were used to create a calming yet uplifting effect.These hues were selected to contrast the starkness of the industrial materials, softening their utilitarian nature and infusing the garment with a sense of humanity and warmth. The warmth in the palette also symbolizes light emerging from darkness, reinforcing the narrative of hope and transformation. By surrounding the wearer with these positive tones, the suit becomes more than clothing—it acts as a visual and emotional anchor, promoting a sense of well-being and inner peace.
The fusion of Victorian-inspired elements with contemporary adaptability in the Hopes and Beliefs Suit reflects my belief that fashion is a bridge between the past and the present, enabling personal transformation through storytelling and self-expression. Victorian elements, such as structured silhouettes and attention to detail, symbolize tradition, discipline, and introspection, drawing on the era’s emphasis on formality and resilience. These elements ground the suit in a sense of history and continuity.In contrast, the contemporary innovations, like the magnetic closures and adaptable design, represent flexibility and progress—qualities essential for navigating modern challenges. This temporal fusion creates a dynamic dialogue between the wearer’s roots and their capacity for growth, encouraging them to embrace their history while reimagining their future. It demonstrates that personal transformation involves honoring where we’ve come from while adapting to where we’re headed, and fashion serves as a powerful medium to embody that journey.
The Hopes and Beliefs Suit as Lesson Seven in my collection embodies my philosophy of creating garments that dress both the body and the soul by serving as a wearable narrative of resilience, transformation, and emotional connection. Physically, the suit is meticulously tailored with thoughtful details like the belt-on peplum and Peter Pan-style trousers, ensuring it complements and empowers the body. These elements combine structure with versatility, offering comfort, adaptability, and elegance.On a deeper level, the suit speaks to the soul by integrating symbolic design choices that reflect themes of hope and belief. The use of industrial fabrics transformed into something beautiful mirrors the process of turning challenges into growth. The warm, nuanced colors provide a sense of emotional grounding, while features like the magnetic closures represent invisible forces of connection and adaptability. This interplay of form and meaning ensures that the garment is not just an outfit but an experience—a reminder for the wearer to carry their inner strength and optimism with them.
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