Announcements Archives - Marina Micanovic Fashion

Oct

Aesthetics From a Fashion Designers Point of View

What is aesthetics? How does aesthetics determine us? Who are esthetes? These are just a few of the questions I have asked myself countless times over the years.

Aesthetics In Theory

Aesthetics is a word of Greek origin, and it means to be observable or sensitive, as interpreted by the philosopher Immanuel Kant. In the science of art, aesthetic signifies the beautiful or pleasing.

In philosophy, aesthetics is defined as a special form of human creation. It is a specific branch of philosophy that examines and appreciates everything that is beautiful and valuable in addition to the essence of an artwork. In the visual arts, as well as in other disciplines, wherever the senses are involved, aesthetics play a role. It might be the color, the shape, the content, the movement, the sound… But one thing is for sure, it always stems from our inherent tastes and instincts.

Everyone is inclined towards the aesthetic because of our senses. Some people might have a stronger sense of it than others, but it is within all of us and will cause an attraction towards some things and a repellence from others. What is most important and perhaps most interesting is that we all have a different sense of aesthetics. This diversity is what makes us all individuals; what some people are drawn to, others cannot stand. If you take anything away from my words, please remember the importance of being who you are and accepting your taste and style as part of you.

Aesthetics In Everyday Life

First of all, let’s discuss the importance of our inner aesthetics. In order for something to be considered a work of art – and everything can be considered as art with the right perspective – we need to possess a certain set of senses that recognizes it as so. When it comes to aesthetics, our inner voice will lead us to develop and follow our own sense of style. What you find beautiful is just one of many examples. This is why I believe it is so important to follow your instincts because that is what determines so many of our actions and decisions.

External or material aesthetics vary as well and often reflect how we feel internally. I can easily remember my first fashion collection and the inner state I was in at that time. The natural flow from my thoughts and emotions to the physical garment is “cleansing,” and this process can be noticed in each of my collections that followed. Of course, there were “wanderings” and searches, and the two – the internal and external – did not always align. If I wanted to experiment with my creations I never restrained myself but I rather experimented freely.

Personal Aesthetics

I often like to see someone’s work and feel their energy. It can tell me more about the creator’s personal aesthetic than their words might say. Sometimes, my own set of aesthetics will not match, but that is completely natural. After all, we are not all the same.

As someone whose aesthetics are very important to them, but also particular and specific to whom I am, I know why it is so important for every person to develop their own. No matter what, you will find that your set of aesthetics will pull you in one way or another.

The relationship between art and aesthetics is very close and sometimes hard to distinguish, but their importance is great if we learn how to create something new and express ourselves through it.

Sep

How Style Is Being Shaped

I have long wondered what the factors are that affect our style and the way we dress. What are the components that make an outfit work and bring the look we envisioned together?

What Defines a Style?

From my own experience, I know that there can be many factors that shape and define a person’s style: career, people that surround us, the current and latest trends, place of living, personal tastes, and so much more! I always pay special attention to the last one, which is our unique taste. Very often these are the preferences or inclinations that are imposed upon us by media, by others, or by our culture that we accept as part of ourselves.

Think about the many choices you make during the day when it comes to your clothes. How many of them are based on what you want versus what society tells you? For example, you likely wouldn’t wear dramatic, smokey makeup to just another day at the office unless you have a glamourous job. Just as you wouldn’t go bare face wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt to a special event. These are all inherent style trends we learn from the society that we barely even realize.

Furthermore, our style or outfit choice is not just what you might wear for this or that occasion. Our fashion style is an expression of our inner state. It is a very subconscious way of describing ourselves and communicating with our external environment about how we feel.

Since I entered the world of fashion, I’ve been noticing more and more how people express their inner state, thoughts, and feelings through their clothes. It is obvious if someone is fully dressed in an arty fashion style, but it can be noticed through small detail like a scarf or a necklace that actually makes a typical classical look their own.

Show Your Style With Confidence

Another important factor that often influences our style is what others think. In my opinion, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make and it shows the lack of confidence in yourself. If you notice that you are more concerned with how others perceive you then by how you feel about yourself you’re not doing yourself a favor. This way of thinking can be really destructive in all areas of your life. You should always focus more on expressing your true self how you see yourself. Trust me, people will sense your confidence shining from within and will respect that more than displaying on a false image of yourself.

A good sense of style doesn’t require large sums of money, and it shouldn’t bring much damage to your wallet. All it takes is getting out of the box and your comfort zone to live your life without being concerned about what anyone else thinks of you. Your style is your own brand. Be stylish and be yourself.

Jun

Fashion (Non)Sense

Fashion (non)sense is a topic a wanted to write about for a long time. Every human being has a natural drive to create, make something new, get inspired, get recognized by doing something great. To me, all of those new ideas and innovations are a form of ART. But still, there is a nonsense that is very common in the fashion world. A person will be a true fashion lover yet afraid to experiment and play with clothes. Almost all ready-to-wear brands will copy haute couture designs instead of making their own designs.

So what exactly is blocking creativity when it comes to fashion?

Fashion (non)sense and designers

As a fashion designer, two things are very important to me – fashion events and new trends. Through fashion events I keep up with fresh trends, new styles, all those things are important for the process of creation and visualization. Every fashion designer strives to find inspiration that will help him design unique and authentic pieces.

That’s what made every big designer or brand famous worldwide. For example, when you see a Medusa head with gold details on a shirt you know that it’s from a Versace collection, which is a trademark Gianni created for his brand. And that is the point, fashion designers are creating THEIR fashion. However, we see so many copies then? Is it a business decision or a lack of ideas? Many ready-to-wear brands are copying haute couture designs which sound great, but there are a ton of reasons why this is bad. They use poor quality material, clothes are being produced in an unethical environment, time and the energy certain designer dedicated to the designing process is basically disrespected and can be treated as an abuse of intellectual property, and the list goes on. I will write more about this topic in one of the future posts.

Fashion (non)sense in everyday life

Having a fashion sense is not a question of a luxury anymore. It is our way of “silent” communication with others. It’s a way of showing to the world who we are. But even though we have complete freedom to express ourselves through our fashion style many people hide behind plane jeans and T-shirts.

Through my fashion consultant work, I noticed that many of my clients were afraid of what other people would say or think of their outfits. They were afraid that people will judge them and dislike their fashion style. If you are reading this and you recognize yourself in these words please read carefully the next paragraph.

You shouldn’t dress for others but only for yourself! Use fashion to express yourself, play with it, and have fun! Some people will notice and salute our way of styling, some will dislike it, some will be indifferent. But all of that doesn’t matter. Only important thing is to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing because only then you will feel truly confident and happy. Explore different styles, find inspiration for something new.

For me, the greatest inspiration is traveling. Experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, learning about their way of life, history, architecture… All of that always fascinated me. The crucial thing for me is the energy of the city and the people in it. Each of these travel experiences gave me ideas which I later translated into new creations.

No matter if you are a fashion designer or a fashion lover, take care of your fashion sense and don’t try to be someone else. Go out there, get passionate, and be creative. You will be amazed by the results.

Photo by Nikola Bradonjic

Jun

My New York Dream

How my New York dream was born? I fell in love with it the moment I stepped onto its streets, and I know that I’m not the only one who felt the same way. Everything amazed me, but most of all its energy.

I had my first fashion show at the New York Fashion Week exactly three years ago. My main challenge was to introduce my creations in one of the biggest fashion centers in the world in the right way. Deep down in my heart, I knew that I would feel complete in New York. On the first day of rehearsals, I felt amazing! The energy of the city, freedom of expression, great vibe – all of this amazed me and my New York dream was born.

Love For The New York Fashion

Fashion in New York is fascinating. New Yorkers are very creative when it comes to their fashion sense and style. New York fashion can’t be easily explained. It’s all around – in the streets, people, way of life.

It’s not easy to define fashion, especially to me as a designer. However, each period has its own direction, its style, which is often standardized. That’s the base, then every individual adds their own personal touch. Being fashionable in this city is very easy because this city loves and embraces the differences. Diversity is the first thing that catches your eye. New Yorkers are not afraid to experiment and mix styles that are the absolute opposites.

New York Fashion Inspiration

This city is a great place to get inspired, and also go through personal style transformation.

I personally find the inspiration in its energy that makes me move, explore, go further, leave the everyday comfort, change. Tourists, yellow taxies, rain coming down, wet streets shining, Broadway, subway – these are just some of the things that give me new ideas!

New York takes me to a whole other dimension, where my creations are becoming extraordinary. New York energy is embedded in every piece I make. It encourages you to be bold, unique, the best version of yourself. it invites you to come and live the New York dream!

May

From Inspiration To Realization

What actually inspires designers? Where do we find our inspiration and how does it transpires in our creations? How do creators find inspiration in fashion?

These are the most frequently asked questions by people and media. In any art area, the principle is the same. Artists find inspiration in all kinds of things. It may be in the details, people, music, colors,dance… But one thing is certain – our inner state is always portraied in our creations.

Inspiration In Fashion

As a fashion designer I keep up with trends, and I will find inspiration in fashion but my prerogative is to make unique creations that are timeless. For me, the artistic vision goes deeper than the current trends. Why? Well, the answer is really simple. Trends are changing very often but uniqueness is forever.

Trying to bring unusual ideas into the material world, may come with changes in the original plan, sometimes because of expenses in the process but vision can also change and new ideas can be born. It can be challenging to bring the designer’s ideas to life. That happened to me many times. I would start to work on a model and suddenly see other possibilities that are different from the original thought. But those are the moments where creativity is at its peak. Then you actually see that there are no boundaries and that it’s up to you to give yourself the freedom to create. That is how I find inspiration in fashion

Inspiration And Expression

The most beautiful thing that I love in fashion design is that I can express myself through my creations. The entire process of designing is like a meditation to me, I get lost in my own little world. A world where I feel wonderful, in which I draw, dream. I can’t describe it. It is filled with various deep emotions. This honest expression of oneself through work.

And after the whole process is finished, the collection has been made and I see someone wearing it I feel fulfilled. In my opinion, this is the loveliest emotion a designer can feel.

May

Self-Expression Through Fashion

I’m a firm believer that self-expression through fashion is something that each person should practice. We are all unique and we should show what makes us different with pride. How we dress has a huge part in the first impression we leave on people. Also, we always dress according to the mood we’re in. Think about the colors you choose when you’re happy, of the type of clothes you choose when you’re feeling confident. To put it simply – your outfit communicates nonverbally with people as much as you do verbally.

Self-Expression From the Designer’s Perspective

When I’m working on my collections, I often have a vision of a woman I’m trying to create for. Although collections are different, they are still related to the same thread that connects them all. Good style is all that is related to us, what is in us, and that is our charisma, energy, above all, life awareness, and fashion. Often women might not be noticed just by what she’s wearing, but much more by her aura and charisma.

On the fashion scene, we see well-styled shows, from the beginning to the end. It’s a well-told story and concept made by designers or stylists. It is necessary to think about every detail, but it is crucial to be moderate because if you overdo it, it can create completely opposite effect on the audience.

Self-Expression Through Fashion Is Fun

Lifestyle, the music we listen to, the places we go to, it all affects how we dress and what we like to wear. Based on that how we dress, not just for making premature conclusions, one can imagine what kind of life we live in. What is particularly interesting is the connection between interior design and us. I had the opportunity to see the different living spaces of different clients, and just by looking around, I could conclude what is that person’s occupation, which is the colors he/she likes, and what is their fashion style.

What we hear most often is that good style comes with a lot of money, but it is far from the truth. Good style doesn’t always mean using expensive stuff. Perfect styling often can be achieved with small details, accessories, and the way they are incorporated. There is also the makeup. With good makeup and appropriate jewelry, we can highlight a very simple dress.

Self-Expression through fashion is something that most of us don’t think about. I think that’s a shame not to play with your style and experiment. It’s a fun way to get to know yourself and to be creative. Fashion and art should not be separated. From the perspective of the designer, inspiration is the most important thing. Whether it is in the detail, in a person, or in an object, it drives us to create something new and innovative. That is when the beautiful process of designing starts.

Apr

Functional VS Original Style

What is functional, and what is original? And can those two get along? Is it hard and expensive to have an original style?

Originlity Is Important

Quite often we witness functional style, which means wearability and ease of combining with other garments, which in the world of fashion usually implies a commercial line. It has conquered the world entirely, and today it is probably most wanted. It is very accessible, in every manner of speaking. Another side of the coin, when it comes to commercial style, is seeing a huge number of people on the streets, dressed in the same or similar way. Given that, trends are not completely acceptable to my opinion, but, having in mind the current offer, it seems that trend remains as the only solution.

Originality in my works takes a special, actually, the first place. Vision, from which it all departs, is something that I enjoy the most, all through the process of realization of the final product. Exactly this expectation of the closing result is what I could call the positive stress. A small dose of this euphoria, which always carries me while I am working, is enough for the inspiration which, then, rises the most.

Do You Have To Choose?

To be original requires, above all, being your true self. We express what we hold inside in different ways, certainly through art. Someone’s medium for self-expression might be dance or painting, and it frequently is clothing.

Original and functional can definitely go together. The choice of quality fabrics and clear ideas are the winning combinations. Outfits that stand out are those that can be worn in different ways, the so-called multipractic items.

The aspect of aesthetics, whatever the clothing style is, stands to be the most authoritative; of course, together with the feeling of comfort, faith in one’s self and smile out of pleasure.