SorteMaria

Photography: Karina Stefansson

SorteMaria is a collaboration between two designers, Angelo Castro and Yenni Leal. Based in Uruguay, they will be presenting their new collection at the FASHIONCLASH Festival. Their collection, inspired by the duality of the everyday and the religious life which emerges on special occasions, in the form of 'Maria', in the catholic tradition of Venezuela and Uruguay. In the collection, unique textures and shapes merge to create conceptual silhouettes through which people protect, live and transmit their beliefs.

The collection will be presented as part of the Show Programme at the SAM- Decorfabriek on Saturday the 16th of June. You can get your tickets to the show here. 


What made you realize that you wanted to work in (fashion) design?
A: I always had artistic inclinations mainly for dance and theater. When I wanted to do my specialization I found that design was the best way to communicate without being me physically.

Y:I am interested in what people can transmit with the way they are dressed as well as the process behind each project in this profession.

Zarvich from Uruguay

Meet Zarvich, a new brand from Uruguay, formed by designers Vivian Sulimovich and Florencina Gómez de Salazar. They have won Lumina 11 contest by Punta Carretas in Montevideo. Their price was participation at FASHIONCLASH Festival 2017 in Maastricht.
They presented their stunning collection Fungi.

How would you define fashion?
Florencia: Fashion is indefinite and volatile; it presents infinite options and changes constantly. It is a reflection of our society; an act of expression. For us designers, it is an exercise of sensitivity that helps us transform an ideal into something material. It has to do with beauty, tradition, luxury… but also with dreams.
Vivian: Fashion is one of the institutions that creates meaning. It compiles a sociological document that deals with the sensitivity of an era; with the important causes of social change and dominant lifestyles.




What fascinates/inspires you and why?
Florencia: Everything that surrounds us can be a source of inspiration; it depends on the sensitivity with which we perceive it. There is not one thing or person in particular. We always have to be alert and surprised by the world around us.
Vivian: My inspiration shifts and is usually related to daily life’s necessities. In an aesthetic level, I am often seduced by architecture.

Finding your own distinctive voice can be difficult, where and how do you find your personal creativity (before you start designing/during the design process)?
Florencia: I think creativity has to be trained and the only way to generate something different is through experimentation, and that takes a lot of work. Any path is a challenge; we live in a very competitive world. We have to celebrate difficulties because that is what pushes us to become the best version of ourselves. If you want results, you have to go the extra mile to stand out. You sacrifice a lot, but it is worth it.

What challenges did you face during the design process?
Florencia: Not having a team to carry out the work efficiently; one that has the appropriate technical knowhow and that you can trust will deliver in a satisfactory and timely manner.
Vivian: The most difficult part usually is managing the project; to coordinate the different work teams and ensure everyone delivers in due time and form.