AMALGAMATION

This collection fuses characteristics of the punk subculture with aspects of my Serbian background in a process of amalgamation.

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Research began with investigating an offshoot of punk culture that was found in the former Yugoslavia in the 70's, 80's and 90's; a thriving underground music scene that voiced social and political opposition to the communist regime in Yugoslavia. Particularly inspired by the work of Slovenian photo journalist Joẑe Suhadolnik, who began documenting the punk scene in Communist Yugoslavia from an early age.

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The 400 year old craft of traditional Serbian tapestry weaving is also explored. The tapestries, known as Pirot Kilim, originated in Pirot, a small village in south eastern Serbia. The Kilim's geometric motif is used throughout the collection in the form of bespoke accessories, prints, applique and weaving.

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The design process begins with detailed written research, exploring historical events and ideas as well as visual imagery, I then collate this information and start sketching garment ideas that lead to draping on the mannequin and extensive creative pattern cutting. The DIY punk aesthetic is cleverly intergrated into this collection by deconstructing and repurposing existing garments. New tailored jackets are created that perfectly balance the rawness of the punk aesthetic with the refined elements of traditional tailoring.

 

Diverse materials are used such as herringbone and pin stripe wool suiting, power mesh, shirting and custom machine knitted ribbing. Custom fabrics have also been developed with screen and digital print, foiling, hand stitching and embroidery.

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