Meet Konstanty Mvrzynski, University for the Creative Arts Catwalk Show Winner at GFW22. Konstanty studied at University for the Creative Arts, Rochester.
How do you feel about winning a GFW22 award?
Very proud to see my imagination come to life on a renowned runway at Graduate Fashion Week.
What was the inspiration starting point for your award-winning FMP?
Researching into the evolution in British black and white art, Aubrey Beardsley, the pioneer of fluid line and graphic composition illustrated Sir Thomas Mallory's chivalric romance tale 'Le Morte d'Arthur' which expanded my investigation into the construction and movement of Maximilian and Greenwich style champion armours, evolving into a marriage of such craft with my obsession of bias cutting and sculptural tailoring.
What skills did you learn and develop during the production of your FMP?
During the production process of the collection, I have developed a skill in generating shape through building sculptural form and moulding woven material directly onto it. The collection reflects upon couture-orientated atelier practice of the great Vionnet and James, which resulted in learning their methodology of cut and construction, applying, and adapting it to my collection.
What were some challenges that you faced in producing your FMP and how did you overcome these?
The greatest challenges emerged during the building stages of the 'Great Candy Coat' in supporting the weight and form of the skirt in correspondence to the upper part. As designer, one must find creative solutions to challenges implored by gravity, movement, and the human form, resulting in an experimental process of sampling with fashion and non-fashion materials whilst utilising atelier equipment in an unusual manner.
Are there any messages or major themes in your FMP that you want people to take away? If so, how did you choose to communicate with them?
The importance of cut and the creation of silhouette. Cut is the soul of every garment and the emphasis on this belief reflects in the collection. As Vionnet herself once said "decoration comes after construction, but architecture is essential". All dresses in the collection are black with minimal ornamentation drawing the eye to the curve and line of shape, resulting in sophisticated timelessness, and the difficulty of achieving simplicity.
What is an aspect of the fashion industry that you want to help improve or have a positive impact on?
The education of creative cut and construction, to teach how one can transform the human anatomy into a beautiful entity of fashion's greatest artistry. In future plans, my company will employ new talent and train great craftsmen to forever push boundaries in the Haute Couture trade.
What form does your FMP take? Is it a collection of clothing, book, presentation, etc? If relevant, how did you source the materials for the project?
The collection 'Invictus' consists of three striking looks which merge the 'Tailleur' and 'Flou' practices into contemporary couture. The sourcing period spanned over two years, during the model building period which required sampling in appropriate material, corresponding with cut and technique to result in successful application of the two.
What are your plans for the near future (further study/ internship/ work?) now that you've finished your BA?
The last three years of my degree taught me to push boundaries in design and construction of clothing generating a new style for my work. But, before I begin to build my own enterprise, it is essential to learn how such Maisons operate, therefore I am pursuing to find placement in a private company where experimental approach and individual design takes centre stage.