Fashion gurus dissecting the next big thing in design are many, but only a few give a good, long thought to the reinventing of the very process of design.
Milan-based fashion designer Kristina Spirk believes that behind every great design, there is an even greater story, and through her work and philosophy, explores the idea of what design should be.
Spirk, who specialises in luxury womenswear, will present a lecture titled Rethinking “Design: A Luxury Metadesign Brand” at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCU-Q) Atrium at 6pm on April 6. The entry is free.
“As designers we are trained and given special skills to invent and create new products to increase consumption. But in the 21st century do we really need new products? Should we continue to function as designers of the past or should we find a way to reinvent the process of design?” says a note by VCU-Q on the lecture.
Spirk combines her vision with metadesign principles to spearhead her second fashion label, Decontoured. “As a person specialised in the visual presentation of words, thoughts and feelings, I see no better way to present mine to you than through ‘Decontoured’, the brand I founded. Every garment, picture and pixel represents my vision of fashion developed over 13 years in the industry and underlines my desire to introduce design that is both memorable and meaningful,” Spirk says in a note on her work and concepts on her website.
Decontoured is the first luxury fashion label that functions as a Meta Designer and provides a bespoke service for redesigning existing garments that have exceptional, symbolic value for their owners, but need to be given a new life. “We decontour garments – preserving their heritage, while giving them a contemporary design and shape,” a note reads, “Our Bespoke Service provides an exciting, collaborative experience that invites clients to become co-creators in the design process, so that garments, once created, reflect perfectly both your physical contours and personality.”
The Milan-based Decontoured collaborates with the finest artisans and producers, keeping traditional techniques and craftsmanship alive, and combining them with the latest design technology. “We exist to provide an alternative holistic luxury experience, and to create meaningful garments without adding more waste to the planet,” the note says, “Emotional, ethical, collaborative and innovative, Decontoured is unique among luxury fashion brands. For us, true luxury is the freedom never to accept without questioning, to preserve our values and contour ourselves and our reality the way we desire.”
As for her brand’s philosophy, another note explains, “We could tell you now what we think about life and fashion, or something about our craftsmanship and plans for the future, but life doesn’t reside in the plans that we are making, but in the moments that we are living. Poetry doesn’t reside in the text, but in its being read, heard and felt. The value of a garment doesn’t reside in its fabric, but in its being worn and woven into stories that become unforgettable.”
Stories that tell you about relationships between you and the garment creator, between you and the previous owner and about all of the events in the past that bring you emotions now,” the note continues, “Our philosophy doesn’t reside in this text, but in our relationship with you and your garment that was given a new life to become part of your new stories.”
Speaking of fashion and new stories, VCU-Q will roll out its 17th Annual Fashion Show ‘Reach’, which is hosted by Salam at The Gate Mall, from April 12 to April 14, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. “Reach showcases the work of VCU-Q fashion design sophomores, juniors and seniors, launching graduates into professional careers. The show will present a line-up of distinct and individual creative looks that the students have researched, experimented with, and now present for the audience,” says VCU-Q on its website.
Rami al-Ali, a Syrian-born fashion designer currently based in Dubai will be the guest designer. “He will be in attendance all three nights and will showcase his most recent ready-to-wear collection. His designs are popular with celebrities and athletes around the world and have been worn by Beyoncé, Natasha Beddingfield, Kerry Washington and Petra Nemcova,” VCU-Q says. Tickets will be on sale April 1 at www.qatar.vcu.edu/events