Breaking: The Power of Digital Fashion and Individuality—An Interview with Dinara Garaeva
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  1. It’s evident that nature plays a significant role in your work, and you find inspiration in the symmetry of it. Tell us, how do you translate these natural elements into your work? Can you give us an example of a collection or piece that embodies this concept?

In my digital fashion creations, I draw inspiration from the organic beauty and symmetry found in nature. I strive to capture the essence of natural elements and translate them into unique and visually captivating designs that celebrate the beauty of nature.

Through these designs, I aim to provide individuals with a medium to express themselves and connect with nature in a unique and innovative way. By wearing my digital dresses, people can embody the beauty and symmetry of nature while showcasing their own personal style and creativity.

My Process: 1) discovering some books with plant systems 2) making collages of plants that I found or drawing new sketches by hand or in the Zbrush (I prefer to draw ideas by hand); 3) got the final shape

2. Purity is key. How do you incorporate a sense of purity into your creations? Is it through specific materials recreation, colours etc…?

Incorporating a sense of purity into my creations is indeed important to me. I strive to create designs that evoke a feeling of elegance, and a connection to the pure and pristine elements of nature. 

I am using hard surface modeling but compensate it by using light, silver colors and translucent materials. These colors contribute to the overall sense of purity and bring a serene and calming energy to the digital dresses.

3. It’s intriguing to learn that you transitioned from architecture to digital fashion. How has your background in architecture influenced your design aesthetic and approach? Are there any specific principles or techniques you carry over from architecture to your digital fashion creations?

Indeed, my background in architecture has had a significant influence on my design aesthetic and approach in the realm of digital fashion. Architecture and fashion design share several fundamental principles and techniques that seamlessly translate into my creative process.

One of the key aspects I carry over from architecture to digital fashion is the emphasis on structure and form. In architecture, the structural integrity and spatial composition of a building are paramount. Similarly, in digital fashion, I pay careful attention to the form and structure of the garments I create. I focus on the silhouette, lines, and proportions, ensuring that the digital dresses possess a well-defined and visually pleasing shape. This architectural approach brings a sense of stability and coherence to my designs.

Another principle that transfers from architecture to digital fashion is the concept of spatial awareness. In architecture, the manipulation of space, light, and shadow is crucial to create a desired ambiance. Similarly, in digital fashion, I consider the virtual space in which the garments exist. I explore the interplay of light and shadow on the textures, creating depth and dimensionality that enhances the overall aesthetic. This spatial awareness adds an element of realism and visual interest to my digital creations.

4. You’ve mentioned that the fashion industry’s traditions often limit true desires in individuality and taste. How does your creative approach challenge these limitations? What unique elements or perspectives do you bring to the table that differentiate your work from more conservative fashion labels? 

I believe that fashion should be inclusive, empowering, and reflective of personal identity, rather than conforming to rigid norms or conservative standards.

By embracing digital technology, I offer a unique and innovative way for individuals to explore and express their personal style. I embrace customization options, allowing individuals to tailor the garments to their unique preferences and measurements.

Additionally, I bring a fresh perspective to the table by combining elements of nature, technology, and art in my digital fashion creations. The incorporation of organic forms and symmetries inspired by nature adds a touch of whimsy and uniqueness to my designs. By leveraging digital tools and techniques, I can create intricate and visually captivating garments that push the boundaries of traditional fashion.

Moreover, I am committed to sustainability and ethical practices in my creative process. Digital fashion inherently minimizes waste, as garments exist virtually and can be reproduced on demand without excessive material consumption. By promoting a more sustainable approach, I challenge the traditional fashion industry’s often environmentally harmful practices.

Through these unique elements and perspectives, my work differentiates itself from more conservative fashion labels, offering a fresh and progressive outlook on fashion that celebrates individuality and empowers people to embrace their own personal style.

Digital fashion is still flourishing, and more and more we see it providing an avenue for people to express themselves without following standard fashion trends. How do you see digital fashion disrupting or reshaping this cyclical nature of fashion enabling individuals to explore their individuality and self-expression? 

I think digital fashion is the answer to a lot of people’s desire for change in fashion.

It’s a natural evolution of the industry.

For me, digital fashion reshaping the cyclical nature of fashion by offering individuals the freedom to explore their individuality, customize their garments, embrace sustainability, promote inclusivity, and engage with interactive digital experiences. It empowers individuals to break free from traditional fashion trends and express their true selves in a way that is personal, unique, and aligned with their values.

We found an amazing synergy between yours and our beliefs, where we both agree that there are many emerging creators who remain unnoticed due to the dominance of fashion hierarchies. As a small brand and independent creator, how do you navigate this challenge? What strategies or initiatives do you employ to gain visibility and recognition for your work? 

The most important thing is to believe in yourself and never give up. I had a period when no one understood what I was doing and WHY.

“What? So you make clothes that don't exist? Why?” But why not? So I got the nickname “WhyNOen”

As for strategies:

1) Showcasing creations on social media (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) 

2) Collaborating with influencers or other creative artists

3) Participation in competitions

4) Building relationships with other artists.

5) Always be open to giving your opinion or advice

GLITCH Magazine aims to challenge the traditional fashion system and support emerging talents. How do see our own efforts align with your own vision for the industry? 

By providing a platform that celebrates diversity, and fosters innovation, and sustainability, GLITCH Magazine contributes to creating a NEW fashion industry that is more inclusive, forward-thinking, and empowering for all creators and this is absolutely how I see the future of the industry.

And I am really grateful to GLITCH Magazine for the huge contribution!

As an emerging digital fashion designer, what are your aspirations for the future? How do you envision your brand evolving and making an impact on the industry? Are there any specific goals or milestones you are working towards? 

As an emerging digital fashion designer, I have a main aspiration for the future: pushing the boundaries of digital fashion. I want to explore new technologies, techniques, and materials to create increasingly realistic and immersive digital garments.

As for specific milestones for now: now I am a part of the IoDF team (Institute of Digital Fashion). We have the same goals in digital fashion, and I am really happy to be in this legendary team.

Collaboration is a significant aspect of the fashion industry. Are there any artists, designers, or creators you would love to collaborate with in the digital fashion realm? How do you believe such collaborations could push the boundaries of creativity and innovation? 

Of course, collaborating with other artists, designers, and creators in the digital fashion realm is an exciting prospect that can push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. 

As for me, now I’m working on my style and I want to make it more recognizable. After that, of course, I’m thinking about collaborating with 3d avatars, fashion influencers and photographers!

In closing, what message or impression do you hope to leave on the fashion industry through your digital fashion designs? How do you envision your work contributing to the larger conversation about individuality, creativity, and the future of fashion?

Through my digital fashion designs, I hope to leave a message of empowerment, individuality, and limitless creativity in the fashion industry. I want my work to inspire individuals to embrace their unique identities, express themselves authentically, and break free from societal norms and expectations. Here’s how I envision my work contributing to the larger conversation about individuality, creativity, and the future of fashion:

  1. Embracing Individuality: By creating garments that can be personalized and customized, I encourage wearers to express their distinct personalities and preferences. 
  2. Redefining Creativity: Digital fashion opens up new realms of creativity and expands the possibilities of what fashion can be. By pushing the boundaries of technology, materials, and aesthetics, I aim to redefine what is considered “fashionable” and inspire others to think beyond traditional constraints. 
  3. Fostering a Sustainable Future: Sustainability is a vital aspect of the future of fashion, and I strive to contribute to a more sustainable industry through my digital fashion designs

Ultimately, I want my digital fashion designs to leave a lasting impression of empowerment, self-expression, and boundless creativity on the fashion industry. 

 

 

Interviewed by Fernanda Ondarza from GLITCH Magazine

Words by Dinara Garaeva 

Edited by GLITCH Team

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