Interview about Happiness Is Suit, winner of the A' Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Award 2020
Reprobable is a Romanian independent brand, a home for the cool, minimalistic designs. You might think that it is just another fish in the sea, but no, Reprobable is one of a kind. Its aesthetic is clean, classic, but far away from boring, since each garment has its own edge. Reprobable makes clothes to dress not only the body but also the soul and every collection has its own spirit and it is own lesson for the person interested in it. Reprobable has nothing to hide, in fact, it is all about expressing yourself, letting all that emotion and joy out of your body and into the world. Simple, open-minded.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe Happiness Is Suit was designed to embody philosophical concepts about happiness, reflecting the idea that true joy comes from balance, simplicity, and a connection to oneself and others. This deeper meaning directly influenced my choice of materials and structural elements.From materials Point of view-I selected fabrics that evoke a sense of lightness and comfort, such as breathable natural fibers or smooth blends with a soft tactile feel. These choices represent the intangible qualities of happiness—ease, fluidity, and warmth. Textures were kept subtle and harmonious to create a sensory experience that feels calming and uplifting, aligning with the emotional resonance of happiness.After that, the structural Elements- The design incorporates clean, minimal lines with understated yet thoughtful details, reflecting the idea that happiness is often found in simplicity and intentionality. Subtle asymmetry in certain elements, like lapels or pockets, represents the balance of imperfection and unpredictability in life, which are essential to appreciating joy. The suit’s adaptable components, such as adjustable closures or flexible tailoring, symbolize the need to remain open and adaptable, key traits for cultivating happiness.By integrating these elements, the Happiness Is Suit transforms from a functional garment into a philosophical expression, encouraging the wearer to embrace the physical and emotional facets of well-being in their everyday life.
The oversized pleated pockets in the Happiness Is Suit were inspired by the idea of abundance and generosity, both of which are central to the concept of joy. These architectural details serve as more than functional elements—they symbolize the capacity to carry and share happiness, much like the way joy multiplies when it is given freely.The pleats introduce a playful, dynamic texture that adds depth and movement to the design, reflecting the fluid and multifaceted nature of happiness. Their oversized nature challenges traditional tailoring norms, emphasizing a sense of freedom and boundless expression. By incorporating these elements, the suit conveys the message that joy is not something to be confined—it is expansive, generous, and meant to be celebrated. This aligns with my vision of clothing as a medium for emotional storytelling, where design elements embody feelings and invite wearers to connect with their own sense of happiness.
My transition from law and television to fashion design profoundly shaped my perspective on creating garments that address both the body and the soul. Coming from fields rooted in structure, logic, and storytelling, I developed a deep appreciation for the interplay between form and narrative. In law, I learned the power of constructing arguments with precision and purpose, which translated into a meticulous approach to tailoring and design. Television taught me how to evoke emotions and connect with audiences through storytelling, a skill that now informs how I imbue my garments with deeper meaning.This diverse background has helped me see clothing as more than just functional or aesthetic—it’s a medium to convey stories and evoke emotional responses. The Happiness Is Suit reflects this philosophy by combining thoughtful craftsmanship with symbolic design elements, like the oversized pleated pockets, which represent abundance and joy. My nontraditional path to fashion design gives me a unique lens to explore how garments can not only fit the body beautifully but also resonate with the soul, encouraging wearers to connect with themselves on an emotional level.
The minimalist aesthetic of the Happiness Is Suit was a deliberate choice to emphasize the idea that true joy often lies in simplicity. I wanted to create a design that felt clean and uncomplicated, allowing the emotional message to take center stage without overwhelming the wearer. This approach aligns with the philosophy that happiness doesn’t need to be loud or ostentatious—it’s often found in quiet, intentional details.To balance this simplicity with expressive design elements, I focused on subtle yet impactful features, such as the oversized pleated pockets. These architectural details add depth and personality without disrupting the minimalist foundation. Similarly, the use of soft, harmonious textures and a warm, balanced color palette reinforces the emotional resonance of the suit while maintaining its understated elegance.This balance reflects the duality of happiness—it’s both profound and approachable, personal yet universal. By combining a minimalist framework with thoughtful accents, the suit becomes an invitation to embrace joy in its purest, most unpretentious form.
The concept for the Happiness Is Suit evolved as an exploration of what happiness truly means, challenging the idea that joy is tied to extravagance or fleeting moments. Instead, I sought to represent happiness as something grounded in balance, intention, and the small details that enrich everyday life. Here's how the concept developed:The idea was born from reflecting on the universal yet deeply personal nature of happiness. I wanted to explore how clothing could embody this emotion—not as a superficial display, but as a deeper connection to oneself. My transition into fashion from other industries also played a role, inspiring me to use design as a way to express emotions that transcend traditional fashion norms.The design was fine-tuned to balance aesthetics with meaning. I ensured that every detail—pleats, tailoring, and color nuances—contributed to both the garment’s wearability and its emotional message. The result was a suit that not only fits the body but also resonates with the soul, encouraging wearers to carry and express their personal sense of happiness.Winning the Iron A' Design Award validated this approach, highlighting the power of fashion as a medium to challenge perceptions and connect deeply with human emotions.
The decision to create the Happiness Is Suit specifically for S-M sizes was guided by a combination of practical design considerations and a desire to create a tailored yet versatile experience. Here's how this approach aligns with my brand philosophy:Design Considerations:1. Balance Between Fit and Adaptability:The suit was designed to strike a balance between a custom-fitted look and a flexible structure that accommodates a range of body shapes within the S-M size spectrum. This ensures wearers feel both comfortable and confident, reflecting the emotional ease that the suit aims to embody.2. Streamlined Aesthetic:By focusing on a narrower size range, I could refine the tailoring and proportions to achieve the minimalist, balanced aesthetic that defines the Happiness Is Suit. This focus allowed for greater attention to detail in crafting the pleated pockets, adaptable closures, and clean lines without compromising on fit.Alignment with Brand Philosophy:1. Intentional Design:My brand emphasizes intentionality in every aspect of design. By concentrating on S-M sizes, I ensured that the suit is thoughtfully constructed to meet the needs of a specific audience, emphasizing quality over quantity.2. Emotional Connection:The adaptability within this size range reflects the emotional message of the collection: happiness thrives in flexibility and balance. It mirrors my broader philosophy of creating garments that are not only functional but also meaningful, fostering a connection between the wearer and the design.This focused approach allows the Happiness Is Suit to embody a sense of purpose, ensuring that it delivers both a tailored fit and an emotional experience aligned with the themes of joy and simplicity.
The technical development of the Happiness Is Suit was an intricate process that balanced structural innovation with the comfort of natural cotton, ensuring the garment was both functional and emotionally resonant.After all, the result is a suit that seamlessly integrates architectural elements with the natural softness of cotton. It provides a tactile and visual balance that reinforces the themes of joy, abundance, and simplicity, embodying both innovation and wearability. This process highlights my philosophy of creating garments that are as emotionally impactful as they are technically refined.
The shoulder reveal detail in the Happiness Is Suit plays a crucial role in expressing the nuanced message about happiness. This element creates an interplay between concealment and exposure, symbolizing the balance between vulnerability and strength—a key aspect of true joy.Happiness often requires embracing openness, showing parts of ourselves that are typically guarded. The partially exposed shoulder reflects this idea, suggesting that letting go of barriers and being vulnerable can lead to deeper connections and a more authentic sense of joy. At the same time, the structured silhouette surrounding the reveal represents the security and support necessary for such openness, emphasizing that happiness thrives when freedom and stability coexist.This detail also adds a touch of playfulness and elegance, challenging traditional tailoring norms. By subtly breaking expectations, it reminds the wearer that happiness is often found in moments of spontaneity and the unexpected. Overall, the shoulder reveal becomes a visual metaphor for the courage to express oneself fully while staying grounded—a balance essential to a meaningful and lasting sense of happiness.
The Happiness Is Suit encapsulates my vision for Reprobable as a brand that transcends conventional fashion by merging design with meaningful storytelling to deliver deeper life lessons. This suit is not merely a garment but a medium for exploring the concept of happiness as a universal yet deeply personal experience.Key Ways It Reflects Reprobable’s Vision would be:1. Philosophical Depth:The suit integrates symbolic elements, such as the oversized pleated pockets representing abundance and the shoulder reveal symbolizing vulnerability. These features transform the suit into a narrative piece, encouraging wearers to reflect on themes like balance, self-expression, and joy.2. Intentional Design:Reprobable values intentionality, and this is evident in the suit’s minimalist aesthetic combined with innovative details. Every element—from the adaptable fit to the use of natural cotton—was chosen to balance physical comfort with emotional resonance, aligning with the idea that clothing should enrich both body and soul.3. Connection to Life Lessons:The Happiness Is Suit serves as Lesson Eight in the broader collection, reinforcing Reprobable’s commitment to embedding life lessons into fashion. It invites wearers to engage with the deeper question of what happiness means to them, offering clothing as a tool for introspection and self-discovery.4. Challenging Norms:By redefining luxury as something rooted in meaning rather than excess, the suit challenges conventional fashion norms. It reflects Reprobable’s ethos of creating garments that are timeless, versatile, and emotionally impactful.The Happiness Is Suit embodies Reprobable’s mission to deliver more than clothing—it offers a transformative experience that connects wearers to themselves and their surroundings. This approach positions the brand as a pioneer in fashion as a medium for deeper life lessons and personal growth.
Creating the Happiness Is Suit has profoundly influenced my approach to designing future collections by reinforcing the importance of balancing philosophical depth with practical wearability. This process has shaped my design philosophy in several key ways:Refining the Connection Between Concept and Functionality:The success of the Happiness Is Suit demonstrated that complex philosophical ideas, like happiness, can be translated into tangible design elements without sacrificing comfort or functionality. Moving forward, I aim to continue integrating symbolic details—like the pleated pockets or shoulder reveal—into garments in ways that are both meaningful and wearable, ensuring that each piece tells a story while remaining accessible.Exploring Emotional Design Narratives:This project deepened my commitment to using fashion as a medium for emotional storytelling. Future collections will focus on exploring universal human experiences, such as resilience, connection, and transformation, through thoughtful materials, colors, and silhouettes that resonate with the wearer on a personal level.Enhancing Versatility and Adaptability:The adaptability of the Happiness Is Suit has inspired me to prioritize versatility in my designs. By incorporating elements that allow garments to transform or cater to different needs, I can create pieces that reflect the fluidity of human emotions and lifestyles while maintaining their philosophical roots.Sustainability and Material Innovation:The use of natural cotton in this suit has reaffirmed the importance of sustainable materials in delivering both physical comfort and symbolic meaning. Future collections will continue to explore innovative fabrics that align with the themes of the designs while promoting ethical and sustainable practices.Bridging Philosophy and Everyday Life:Ultimately, the Happiness Is Suit has solidified my belief that fashion can be a tool for self-reflection and transformation. Future collections will seek to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and everyday wear, creating garments that inspire wearers to engage with deeper ideas while seamlessly fitting into their lives.This experience has provided a clear direction for creating future collections that not only dress the body but also nurture the mind and soul, staying true to my vision of fashion as a medium for meaningful expression.
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