_archive #18

Fashion designer Zazo&Brull
Photography Andreia Martins
Styling Laura Montané
Stylist assis Katherine Scholz
Make-up & Hair Veronica Garcia
Model Sydney at UNO models

• Interview to Zazo&Brull

Where did you study and what did you like most about the school and the city you studied?
We both studied at the LLotja school in Barcelona. We came from the province of Gerona and studying in
Barcelona meant opening up our minds to a new and more advanced culture.  The best thing about attending
the school was that it allowed us to meet.

What did you like least about the school and the city?
With respect to the school, it doesn’t really train you for the real world in which you have to move. It doesn’t
teach you much about the business aspects and you have to learn based on risk and experience.
With respect to Barcelona, at the present time the image of the city doesn’t fit in with what it offers you or what
you can find there.

When did you decide to become a fashion designer and why?
Xavi: merely by chance. I wanted to study drama and at one of the courses I studied before entering the
“Institut del Teatre”, I received classes about costume design.  I became really interested in it and decided I wanted
to learn more…. and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since…
Clara: my grandfather was a fashion designer and had a workshop where he made clothes for his lady customers.
I had always found this fascinating and I remember spending hours playing with fabrics and thread. When I had to
decide on a career after leaving high school, I read an article in the newsletter of the “FD Moda” school and realised
that this was what I wanted to do. Oddly enough, we now give classes in that same school in Barcelona.

What do you do to get inspired and how do you usually start a collection?
We like talking to each other and drawing inspiration from our own experience, no matter where it originates.
Then we develop our ideas and convert them into stories or thoughts. Sometimes our inspiration comes from a book,
such as in the case of the “X-S09” collection or “Distopía”, from the books “The last man” and “Lord of the Flies”, respectively.
Collections that were originally based on films; for instance, our collection entitled “la novia mutante del rey Pez” (The mutant
bridge of the Fish King) which was a combination of “Freaks” and “Frankenstein”
In collections such as “Frágil”, “Je Regrette” and “Distopía” we consider the human condition, based on three different aspects.
In short, you could say that we use our collections as a therapy for expressing our feelings, concerns or desires.

What are your plans for the future, what would you like to be doing in five years?
Right now, our plans include Brazil. We were given the opportunity to present our latest collections there and we think it is a
good time to enter new markets. In five years’ time, we would like our company to be well positioned in the Brazilian market
and have the chance to open a single-label store.

If you wouldn’t be a designer, what would you be?
Xavi: an actor or singer
Clara: a dog trainer.

What is the most ugly piece of clothes you have in your personal wardrope?
Xavi: a pair of trousers that a Belgian designer gave me as a special gift. They are custom-made and have some unsightly
stains that are very ugly and several cigarette burns.
Clara:  a dress from the 1960s that belonged to my mother. It’s made of black velvet and is decorated with spots painted by
hand.  It’s very ugly but also quite authentic.

What the most beautiful one?
Xavi: an overcoat by Zazo&Brull. We never make men’s clothes, but on this occasion, we designed an overcoat especially
for me and I think it is an extremely unique garment.
Clara: I wouldn‘t know which one to choose. I have several interesting items made by the firm that are particularly attractive
and special, and each of them has its own story to tell.

And to finish; name a song you love but you’re ashamed of admitting to love.
Xavi:   Belanova “todo mi amor”
Clara:  Camilo Sesto “vivir así es morir de amor”

• Entrevista a Zazo&Brull

¿Dónde estudiaron y qué es lo que más les gustó de la escuela y la ciudad?
Estudiamos los dos en la escuela LLotja de Barcelona. Los dos veníamos de la provincia de Gerona  y estudiar en
Barcelona significaba abrir nuestras mentes a un ambiente cultural nuevo y avanzado. Lo mejor que nos brindó la
escuela fue la oportunidad de conocernos.

¿Qué es lo que menos les gusta de la escuela y la ciudad?
De la escuela, el hecho de que no te prepara para el mundo real donde luego tienes que moverte. La parte empresarial
no se ve reflejada en ningún sitio y eres tu el que debes aprender a base de riesgo y experiencia.
De Barcelona, ahora mismo, que no coincide la imagen de la ciudad con lo que te ofrece o puedes encontrar en ella.

¿Cuándo decidieron convertirse en un diseñador de moda y por qué?
Xavi: Fue una elección por casualidad. Quería dedicarme a la interpretación y en uno de los cursos que hice antes de
entrar al “Institut del Teatre”, me impartieron unas clases sobre indumentaria. Me fascinó y decidí saber un poco más…
y hasta hoy…
Clara: Mi abuela era modista y tenía un taller donde cosía para sus clientas. Siempre me había alucinado y recuerdo
pasarme horas jugando con telas e hilos. Cuando tuve que decidirme a escoger una carrera después del instituto vi un
artículo en el periódico de la escuela “FD Moda” y supe que era eso lo que quería hacer. Casualmente ahora  impartimos
tutorías en esta misma escuela en Barcelona.

¿Qué hacen para inspirarse y por lo general, ¿cómo inician una colección?
Nos gusta mucho hablar entre nosotros e inspirarnos en nuestras propias vivencias vengan de donde vengan. Luego las
evolucionamos y solemos convertirlas en historias o en reflexiones. En algunas ocasiones la inspiración ha partido de un
libro como en el caso de la colección X-S09 o Distopía, de los libros “The last man” y “Lord of the Flies” respectivamente.
Colecciones que partieron inicialmente de películas por ejemplo, nuestra colección “la novia mutante del rey Pez” que era
una mezcla entre “Freaks” y “Frankenstein” Y en colecciones como “Frágil”, “Je Regrette” y “Distopía” reflexionábamos
sobre la condición humana basándonos en tres aspectos diferentes.
Como resumen, podemos decir que utilizamos nuestras colecciones como terapia para volcar sentimientos, preocupaciones
o anhelos.

¿Cuáles son los planes para el futuro, ¿qué les gustaría estar haciendo dentro de cinco años?
Nuestros planes ahora mismo miran hacia Brasil. Hemos tenido la oportunidad de presentar nuestras últimas colecciones
allí y pensamos que es un buen momento para apostar por abrir nuevos mercados. Dentro de cinco años nos gustaría que
nuestra firma estuviera bien posicionada en los mercados brasileños y  tener la posibilidad de abrir tienda mono marca.

Si no sería un diseñador, ¿qué te gustaría ser?
Xavi: actor o cantante.
Clara: adiestradora de perros.

¿Cuál es la pieza más fea que tienes en tu guardarropa personal?
Xavi: unos pantalones que me regalaron como algo muy especial de un diseñador belga. Está customizado y tiene unas
manchas muy desagradables y poco estéticas además de quemaduras de cigarrillo.
Clara: un vestido de los años 60 que era de mi madre. Es de terciopelo negro y con motivos lunares pintados a mano.
Es muy feo pero también muy auténtico.

¿Cuál la más bella?
Xavi: Un abrigo de zazo&brull. No hacemos nunca ropa de hombre pero en esta ocasión diseñamos un abrigo
especialmente para mí y creo que es una pieza muy especial.
Clara: No sabría escoger. Tengo prendas únicas de la firma, muy especiales y bonitas. Cada una con su historia detrás.

Y para terminar, el nombre de una canción que te encanta, pero te da vergüenza de admitir.
Xavi:   Belanova “todo mi amor” 
Clara:  Camilo Sesto “vivir así es morir de amor”

Fashion designer Zazo&Brull
Photography Andreia Martins
Styling Laura Montané
Stylist assis Katherine Scholz
Make-up & Hair Veronica Garcia
Model Sydney at UNO models

International and interdisciplinary fashion event 8th/9th/10th June 2012

SAMDecorfabriek Maastricht
4th edition of FASHIONCLASH Maastricht
Be ready for the 4th edition of the incomparable fashion event FASHIONCLASH Maastricht. During the second weekend in June more than one hundred promising talents from 20 countries from all over the world will come together to present their creations. FASHIONCLASH Maastricht is accessible to everyone! So if you want to experience the fascinating world of FASHIONCLASH you should not hesitate to visit our unique fashion shows and our art exhibition. Enjoy the event with all its varieties and get inspired by stunning work yourself.

There will be tickets available for the fashion shows to everybody. The exhibition and any further remaining happenings regarding the event are for free!
International and interdisciplinary platform for young talents

FASHIONCLASH Maastricht is a unique platform where aspiring, talented designers and artists can present their work to an international audience. For visitors of any kind this is a special opportunity to discover new talents, connect to new people and get inspired by the art of fashion in the widest sense of the word. Since the 1st edition more than 500 talents from all over Europe have enjoyed the FASHIONCLASH platform. This year it is the first time we will welcome participants from overseas as well!
The diverse program offers something extraordinary for everyone!

Fashion shows
The fashion shows will be combining various styles and fashion collections of upcoming labels. Each show will be including a wide range of avant-garde fashion, haute – couture, ready-to-wear women’s wear and men’s wear. You can also expect the catwalk to be turned into a stage for performances and theatre presentations.

More than one hundred international talents from 20 countries will display their works. Among others, there will be designers from Belgium, Peru, Poland, England, Serbia and Germany integrated in the events. Designers such as Kamila Gawronska-Kasperska (POL), Sasha Kanevski (UKR), Gomes Esser Design (NL), Mirte Engelhard & Nikki Giling (NL), Lenka Srsnova (SVK), Tata Christiane (GER) and many others will be presenting their work.
Runway Malta cooperated with Valletta 2018 to put together a New Designer´s Competition to entice young designers. FASHIONCLASH had the pleasure to go to this lovely country and choose one more designer, Geneva Corlett, who will complete our fashion show program. The result of the multi-nationality will be a great dynamic interaction.

Exhibition
The former décor factory of the Mosa will be temporarily transformed into a cutting-edge exhibition show room. Art from different disciplines will be presented such as fashion, accessories, photography, illustration, video, product and textile design and installations. Works from designers and artists such as Keta Gutmane (LAT), Sara Vrugt (NL), May Bernardi (GER), Peter Godijn (NL) and of course, many others will be waiting for you to be discovered.

Clash project & Theatrical Encounters
Two specialties of FASHIONCLASH are the interdisciplinary projects such as the Clash project and Theatrical Encounters. Under the slogan Clash project several non-fashion designers and artists will create alternative clothing in connection with their usual discipline. This year product designer Kaspar Hamacher, artist Olek and eight other designers and artists will translate their vision of fashion into an outfit for the catwalk.
To complete the program of FASHIONCLASH there will also be several presentations in the city centre, a party and the 2nd edition of the FASHIONCLASH Market in the public library. The FASHIONCLASH Market offers visitors the chance to browse, to get inspired and to purchase unique clothing, accessories and design of young designers.

Cartel
Photography assistance: Vanessa Bejarano Lor
Model: Adjorka
Makeup: Anita Brulee
Robotic arm: Wali Mohammed Barrech
Wigmaker: Seema Shopra
Shoes: Karolina Piech

For more information http://fashionclash.nl/

_archive #17

Fashion designer Kristofer Kongshaug
Photography Ricardo Gomes
Styling Benjamin Brouillet
Hair & Make up Magalie Roux
Jewelry Designer ABRE
Assistant styling Remi Felipe
Model: Anna at Studio KLRP

• Interview to Kristofer Kongshaug

How did you start this collection, where did the inspiration come from?
I started thinking about it a decade before I did my first show in 2008, but when I actually
realized it, it was on impulse. I came to a point in life where I had to do something new.
Usually my inspiration comes from my everyday life. It´s some kind of parallel universe
where idealism meets dream. It’s a book with new chapters but the story stays the same.
I get inspired by people, by the nature. I use music to put me in a state of mind, which
fits the atmosphere I want to reach. Then I forget all that and just make clothes.

When did you decide to become a fashion designer and why?
I grew up surrounded by it, but was never really thinking about it until I suddenly realized
I enjoyed making clothes and I wanted to do something with it.

How did you start your own fashion label? How long did it take before it was functioning
properly?
Well does a label ever function properly? The first collection I ever did was 26 outfits that
I made by my self in a couple of months, I didn’t really have a plan, but time felt right. I think
nothing today really functions how you want things to be, how they should be, because the
industry is destroyed be itself. It´s become corporate and the values are changed. Fashion has
become commercialism and nothing will function until it fails.

What is your future plans, what would you like to be doing in five years from now?
Good question, I ask my self that all the time and honestly I don’t know. I would like to
continue my brand and make it grow. Maybe start another fashion house, who knows. I´m
working on several interesting projects, which can take life in so many interesting directions.
In business it’s important to have a 5 year plan, in life that’s just sad….

• Entrevista a Kristofer Kongshaug

¿Cómo comenzó esta colección, de dónde vino la inspiración?
Empecé a pensar sobre ello una década antes de realizar mi primer desfile en 2008, pero cuando
realmente me di cuenta, tome el impulso. Llegué a un punto en la vida donde tuve que hacer algo
nuevo. Por lo general, mi inspiración viene de mi vida cotidiana. Es una especie de universo paralelo
donde el idealismo se encuentra con el sueño. Es un libro con capítulos nuevos, pero la historia sigue
siendo la misma. Me inspira la gente, la naturaleza. Yo uso la música para adquirir un estado de ánimo
que se ajusta a la atmósfera que quiero llegar. Entonces me olvido de todo y sólo en hacer ropa.

¿Cuándo decidió convertirse en un diseñador de moda y por qué?
Crecí rodeado de ella, pero nunca pensé realmente en ello hasta que de repente me di cuenta de que
disfrutaba la confección de ropa y quería hacer algo con eso.

¿Cómo inicia su propia marca de moda? ¿Cuánto tiempo llevó antes de que estaba funcionando
correctamente?
Bueno, cuando una marca tiene que funcionar correctamente? La primera colección que hice fue de 26 
trajes que he hecho por mi mismo en un par de meses, yo realmente no tenía un plan, pero se sentía bien.
Creo que hoy nada funciona realmente como quieres que las cosas sean, cómo debe ser, porque la industria
está destruida por sí misma. Se ha convertido en las empresas y los valores cambian. Moda se ha convertido
en la comercialización y nada va a funcionar hasta que cambie.

¿Cuáles son sus planes futuros, ¿qué le gustaría estar haciendo dentro de cinco años a partir de ahora?
Buena pregunta, me pregunto a mi mismo el que todo el tiempo y honestamente no lo sé. Me gustaría continuar
con mi marca y hacerla crecer. Tal vez empezar en otra casa de moda, quién sabe. Estoy trabajando en varios 
proyectos interesantes, que pueden llevar la vida en muchas direcciones interesantes. En los negocios es
importante tener un plan de 5 años, en la vida eso es triste….

Interview by Titus Elias

Fashion designer Toni Francesc
Photography Andreia Martins
Styling Laura Montané
Hair & Make up Veronica Garcia
Model Karolina at F Unique Management

_Interview to Toni Francesc

Where did you study and what did you like most about it?
I studied fashion design and patternmaking at the Institut Català de la Moda in Barcelona.
I liked the textile classes. They made me understand the importance of the fabrics in a design.

What did you not like about it?
I’m a very positive person, I don’t remember the bad moments.

And what did you and did you not like about Barcelona? 
It’s impossible to have bad memories about Barcelona. I like everything about the city.
It’s not too big, it’s easy to walk through. I like its design, its architecture, the people, the
sea, the climate it has, the big amount of restaurants and bars. It’s a perfect city to live, study,
work or to visit.

When did you decide to become a fashion designer and why?
Right after I finished high school I started studying fashion. I was always interested in fashion,
art, architecture, interior design and I knew I wanted to study something in which I could express
myself creatively. Maybe the reason why I ended up studying fashion design has to do with genetics;
my mother is a dressmaker.
I’m very passionate about my work. It can be very stressful but I like that about it.

What do you do to get inspired and how do you usually start a collection? 
I’ve always liked to work with human topics related to certain feelings. I can also get inspired by
themes related to the elements of nature. The inspiration I get from this often leads to the most
important aspects of the designs; the colours, fabrics, shape or style.

What are your plans for the future, what would you like to be doing in five years?
It’s hard to say what I will be doing in five years. I’d like to continue in fashion, which will probably
not always be easy in these times we live in. Anyway I’d like to continue working for my clients and
above all keep on enjoying what I’m doing.

If you wouldn’t be a designer, what would you be?
Being a fashion design teacher could be a great option. I wouldn’t be a designer, but I could continue
working with my passion for fashion and help preparing future designers.

What is the most ugly piece of clothes you have in your personal wardrope?
I don’t have any clothes that I really don’t like, although with some clothes I can get sick of seeing
them and wearing them.

What the most beautiful one?
An old jersey that I am really fond of.

And to finish; name a song you love but you’re ashamed of admitting to love.
 “Yo soy aquel” de Raphael

_archive #16

Fashion designer Toni Francesc
Photography Andreia Martins
Styling Laura Montané
Hair & Make up Veronica Garcia
Model Karolina at F Unique Management

Fashion designer Branko Popovic
Photography Lonneke van der Palen
Styling Branko Popovic
Hair & Make up Carlos Saidel @ Colourfool agency
Model Rob at 77models

_Interview to Branko Popovic

Where did you study and what did you like most about the school and the city the studied?
I studied at ABKMaastricht, the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht in the south of Holland. After high school,
academy seemed like heaven, because I met amazing people and I got to do what I loved the most.

What did you like least about it?
There is always something to complain about. In general it was fine, but if I would choose an academy now,
it would not be ABKMaastricht.

When did you decide to become a fashion designer and why?
I actually wanted to study fine arts but I was not really sure. The first year at ABKM was more a general year
where I got various courses and then I chose to which department I wanted to go. I found out that I liked fashion
and the fashion department at the academy in Maastricht is really one of the best and most inspiring departments.
In the first year I was doing really well and my teachers told me I would do well in all departments but that fashion
would fit me best. When I look back at my childhood the love for fashion was already there. I loved to see my
grandmother knit and help her. I remember that I liked to organize events and fashion shows and I had a ken doll,
well that explains a lot. Still I have to admit that I am not sure if I want to be fashion designer forever. I long to
make art and do more than fashion.

What do you do to get inspired and how do you usually start a collection?
In each collection I search for a certain need why I want to design a collection. In the first place I see this as an
expression of things that are going in my head or things I’ve experienced. I have to have a deeper meaning or reason
why I am doing a collection. In the beginning I am more interested in the concept than in clothes as a product. I use
fashion design as a form of expression, at the end I also have respect for fashion design and I look for a balance
between concept and fashion design. Within this process I find lot of struggles and it’s not so easy to find the right
balance. An example of my last collection:
Originally I come from Ex-Yugoslavia (Croatia), and the last collection is about transformation of the shape of the
star (red star was the symbol of the flag) as a metaphor for the split-up of Yugoslavia. This split-up and the war in
Yugoslavia is the reason I am living in The Netherlands. This collection is also an expression for transformation of
my life, leaving Yugoslavia for The Netherlands.

What are your plans for the future, what would you like to be doing in five years?
In the future I would like to still have a fashion label and to have more selling points. But most of all I want to create
art again and invest more time in that. I want to draw, make installations and performances and do more multi- and
interdisciplinary work. I would like to be travelling more. I would love to still have my blog brankopopovic.blogspot.com
because I love to share amazing work of other designers, talents and artists. I hope that FASHIONCLASH, a foundation
I have co-founded, still exists in five year. I hope that we can realize the projects we dream about and that we can provide
platform for many young designers from all over the world.

If you wouldn’t be a designer, what would you be?
Artist or a teacher of art or fashion design.

What is the most ugly piece of clothes you have in your personal wardrobe?
I can’t think of any. If I had one I think I got rid of it last time I was cleaning out my wardrobe.

What the most beautiful one?
I have a very nice shirt from Gaspard Yurkievich. I did my internship there and this shirt reminds me of that time. I also
have a very nice red jacket from designer Ingo Binder.

And to finish; name a song you love but you’re ashamed of admitting to love.
I come from Ex-Yugoslavia and there are so many folk singers and songs that I like and have a memory attached to.
Many of them are really bad but still great to hear at times when I am nostalgic or cleaning the house, but I would not
post those songs on facebook.

More info:
www.brankopopovic.com
www.fashionclash.nl
www.brankopopovic.blogspot.com

Interview by Titus Elias

A Backstage pictures from Fashion Seeds #15
See complete story very soon…

A Backstage pictures from fashion seeds #14
See complete story in VERONICA B. VALLENES 

fashion designer Veronica B. Vallenes
photography Simon Birk
stylist Stephanie Loa 
makeup & hair May Naes at Scoop Artists 
models Trine Hyldtoft at Scoop Models

_Interview with Veronica B. Vallenes

Where did you study and what did you like most about the school and  the city the studied?
I studied at The National College of Art and Design in Oslo, Norway. I liked the way we learned about different
processes of designing. I also liked the classes like sculpture, colour and art history that we had together with
art students from other departments. These classes influenced the work I do nowadays. Modelling is almost like
sculpturing, which I use a lot in my work and I love working with colours. Furthermore Oslo is a city with a great
music and art scene and I was surrounded by really nice people.

What did you like least about it?
There was barely anything happening in fashion when I lived there, so it wasn`t so inspiring when it came to
designing.

When did you decide to become a fashion designer and why?
Since I was twelve I knew I was going to be a fashion designer. Sewing and creating clothes has always been a
big passion.

What do you do to get inspired and how do you usually start a collection?
I watch movies, listen to music, go to art exhibitions, study other cultures and fashion history, and I also get a lot
of inspiration when I have the fabric in my hands.

Can you name a few movies or film directors that inspire you?
Films like Annie Hall, A Single Man, Twin Peaks, Persona, Rear Window, Le Mépris and directors such as Ingmar
Bergman, David Lynch, Jean- Luc Godard, Tom Ford.

And fashion designers?
Phoebe Philo, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent, in the years he was the head designer.

What are your plans for the future, what would you like to be doing in five years?
I will continue to develop my brand, collaborate with exciting people and make the brand stronger and bigger.

If you wouldn’t be a designer, what would you be?
A photographer, I love the different atmospheres photographers can create.

What is the most ugly piece of clothes you have in your personal wardrobe?
It must be a pair of wool tights that has seen it`s better days, but it is so comfortably to wear when I come home after a
long day in tight clothes.

What the most beautiful one?
A dress I have inherited from my mother. It is a beautiful dress and it has a lovely vintage feeling. She got it from a Greek
boyfriend when she was young.

Can you name five songs that you listen to a lot lately?
Do you Remember by Ane Brun Video Games by Lana Del Rey Love Letters by Angelo Badalamenti (from the David Lynch
film Blue Velvet) All the Rain by Charlotte Gainsbourg Wicked Game by Chris Isak