Emilie Tirion presents Under Depression

Photography: Soe Aitarg

Meet Emilie Thirion, a Belgian Menswear designer. She says she never chose to do fashion design, but instead discovered that this was what she needed, discovering that this was the way she could truly express herself. Therefore, it is not surprising that the concept behind her collection is truly personal. In her new collection, 'Under Depression' she explores an illness that she herself has dealt with on a daily basis. Using it as an inspiration, she went even further. By using her own distorted face in the designs, she wanted to become the face of the illness herself. In an exaggerated version of the garments she personally uses, she wants to emphasises how people with depression feel as they are suffocating, while finding it necessary to partake in the 'play' of life.

Emilie Thirion's collection will be presented at the Show Programme on Saturday the 16th of June. You can get your tickets here.





What made you realize that you wanted to work in (fashion) design?

Nothing at all. Actually, I’ve never wanted to work in Fashion. Before I started to study fashion, I entered an architecture and engineering school which I had prepared and dreamt of since I was 6 years old, and finally I found out it wasn’t my life at all, I was looking for something more human, more creative, more authentic. I remember saying to myself “You have always wanted to be an architect-engineer and it’s a real disaster, why not trying something completely different and very surprising? Maybe this is the key of happiness: a spontaneous and adventurous life.” Two days after, I started fashion courses, and it was the perfect match! Now it’s been 6 years since I’ve decided to choose fashion for no reason, and it couldn’t be more perfect!

KRJST FW 15/16 collection

"K5 - Under Pressure" 
KRJST FW 15/16 collection

Credits:
Fashion designer: Krjst
Shoes: Atelier September
Model: Dorian Nour Jespers, Isabelle Peeters
MUA: Noel Manliguez Inocencio
Photographer: Delahaye Sebastien
Set: Charlotte Dunker
Choreographer director: Yves Aduhire

http://www.krjst.com

KRJST

Photo Sébastien Delahaye

Today we will introduce you to the power duo behind the label KRJST. Their work is presented at the fashion show.

Hello, Justine and Erika! Please introduce yourself. Who are you? Where do you come from? What is your field of specialisation? KRJST was born in May 2012. Our brand is in the continuity of a Master’s Degree at La Cambre, in Brussels, where we met. We developed our creativity and learned to manage the different steps to create a collection, which requires endurance and dedication abilities to affirm and defend our opinions. We both are passionate about art on a more general level, and we both have different but complementary personalities. Justine has a tendency to produce more harmonious and detailed work, whereas Erika develops a more natural and experimental work. Since the establishment of our brand, some unbelievable people have joined the team; Pam Mertens, Monsieur Pimpant-Draftman and Sébastien Delahaye.

Your label is called KRJST. Where does the name come from?

The KR from Erika And the JST from Justine.

How did you two end up working together?

After we finished our scholarship at  La Cambre. Both of us were thinking what to do after graduation; how to manage ourselves, our thoughts and our beliefs, our love for art and fashion. After some pondering, many cups of coffee, we realised that we share the same ideas for the future.

Fitting at KRJST's studio

Do you have a philosophy for designing?

KRJST arises from the confrontation of different artistic visions. Indeed, we think of ourselves as a platform that invites artists with various skills and backgrounds to the dialogue. The textile and graphic research, as well as the development of innovative techniques, is KRJST's rallying point through the high-end collections of ready-to-wear for men and women. Our philosophy is to be found in the symbiosis of the elements and people who are part of KRJST’s project.

Belgium label TITI+GERMAN KID

Kristien Follon is the establisher of the label TITI+GERMAN KID. She will present her wonderful work at the FASHIONCLASH Side Program.
Born in Neerpelt, Belgium, Kristien has her fashion dream since she was five. In 2007, she started her label along with her alter ego and muse 'THE GERMAN KID'. She makes all the pieces herself to make sure that everything is unique.T+TGK is more than affordable, which makes it accessible to a very wide audience.