Runway Malta is to feature many talented designers and one of these is the uber talented Ann Boogaerts, a graduate of Holland’s prestigious ArtEZ Institute of the Arts, Arnhem and winner of the 2009 Lichting cash prize (Amsterdam International Fashion Week). Her collection for her label ATELIER MILADA will be presented this Saturday at Runway Malta.
 |
| 2009 -Amsterdam |
Luckily I was given the chance to interview her – here goes:
What do you like best and dislike most about being a fashion
designer ?
I love the adrenaline rush when I discover beauty in art,
materials, history and design. I love dreaming, imagining
new worlds, and of course the incredible thrill of designing!
Although I have to say, to achieve all of the goals and ambitions
in life as a fashion designer, you might have to make some
concessions.
What was your main inspiration for this collection ?
The title of my collection is “Histoires extraordinaires”.
I imagined an inspiring lady with a fantastic character in her late
40’s. She travelled all around the world by herself, and during
her journeys, she collected small souvenirs from the places she
has visited and the interesting people she has met in Russia,
France and Japan. Because these souvenirs mean so much to
her, she decides to ask a tailor to integrate them in her favorite
garments. That way the memories are always with her.
What is your favourite piece in this collection ?
A linear, uncomplicated black shirt of damast with black fox fur
details and an ochre Swarovski brooch. It feels so comfortable
and at the same time it looks like you’re in some kind of exotic
fairytale.
In general, what are your favorite fabrics to work with and why?
As designer and teacher in Textiles, I’m fascinated and
passioned by textiles and materials and crafts. I absolutely love
high quality fabrics and materials. I think it is a shame that
people nowadays are tempted to buy quantity instead of quality.
I try to convince people that in the end, cheap products are more
expensive than durable, high quality products. My personal
fabric favor goes to natural fibres like merino woollens, silks,
damasts, jaquards and complicated cloqué’s, although a simple
Egyptian cotton with a lurex detail can be amazing as well.
How do you select your models and photographers?
It is all about charisma, radiance, energy, and vitality. I can’t say
I prefer blond or red, because it depends on the person. I can’t
say I like a specific kind of style in photography. I’m always
looking for something special, a deeper meaning, an original
vision, a different way of approach, or an esthetic still life…It
depends on my mood and the zeitgeist.
How do you think technology—tweeting, blogging, social
media, etc.—has affected fashion? For better or worse?
It seems that nowadays, the trickle-down effect has become a
crazy treadmill. The day after the show of a big fashion house,
you can buy cheap copies in all the big retail chains. And
then, the retail chains copy eachother. Shamelessly. It is partly
because of the media, but also due to the fact that people don’t
mind to buy copies. In biology, this process is called “mimicry”.
It is about a fly that pretends to be a wasp to scare enemies
away. But I think you can create your own style, even if you
can’t afford a designer bag. It is about being an individual and
standing out, combining and being creative… Lot’s of people
forget that most of the clothing made today, is unflattering and
made without love.
Retail chains know we want to keep up with the trends and they
make a lot of money by producing rubbish. Each year, a massive
amount of clothing is thrown away. It is completely ridiculous.
We really need to stop buying junk, we need to dream more
and invest in our own future. We need to pay more attention to
culture, education, health and the environment and our personal
wellbeing.
In general, the endless flow of information has become surreal,
it is hard to keep up, and all those impulses make people go
insane. Sometimes I wonder how we can still concentrate, I
mean, we are constantly being distracted by loud noise and
hideous images.
What do you wish people would understand about working in
the fashion industry?
I think sometimes people think fashion is superficial and
shallow. But fashion is a way to visualize ideas and visions
about the future and the society, sometimes to escape, and
sometimes to confront.
What are your next plans ?
I want to develop my label in a slow, passionate way, while
keeping my own identity. I want to learn more because I love to
learn about so many things. And of course, teaching classes.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting
to start a career in fashion?
Find a healthy balance in your life, between mind and body.
You can’t do this if you don’t take care of yourself.
Caro
xxx
Comments