[wzslider]Fashion Designer Aida Korman
By: Medina Malagić
Aida Korman is a fashion designer from Bosnia-Herzegovina. After creating her own fashion label in the Czech Republic during the 1990’s, Aida went on to start her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts (Product Design Department) in Sarajevo and then left after one year to continue her studies at in Fashion Design at the European Institute of Design in Rome. What is unique about her fashion line is that it is based heavily on the various styles of traditional wear in BiH, or as she puts it, it is a “reinvention of a new fashion identity”.
What is the theme/message that you are trying to convey through your clothing lines?
My vision of fashion reflects the cultural identity of the Balkans, its variations, contrasts and diversities. Also, my style is democratic and demonstrate respect of all existing cultures and influences in the Balkans. My collections are appreciated for the revaluation of traditional manufacturing of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an ongoing research on the handcraft and the reinvention of a new fashion identity.
How would you compare and contrast the world of fashion design in the countries in which you have lived and work with the BiH fashion scene?
In the nineties most of the textile industry was destroyed during the war. But we are close to the EU and we can compete with the price. We are also very creative, and our time is coming, despite that fact that we are facing a pioneer approach in fashion business in Bosnia- Herzegovina. Because that is what fashion is everywhere else – a big business.
What led you to pursue a career in fashion design? From where do you draw your inspiration?
I started very early. My first drawings date back to elementary school. Later in the nineties in the Czech Republic I gathered a team of people, designed accessories and clothing which I sold in my own stores. I finished my first year at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo, in the Product Design Department. I moved to Italy where I studied Fashion at Istituto Europeo di Design.
In 2000 my Final Degree consisted of a collection presented at the High Fashion Week in Rome. Named after the Jubilee, the collection Pilgrimage through the Folds of the Style represented an interpretation of the 18th century traditional costume design of Bosnia.
Your work seems to combine things/elements that are seemingly in contrast/in direct opposition to one another, but comes together to form a unique piece of art. What is the process you undergo when combining various symbols, materials and textures? Is it more of a spontaneous invention, or how much meticulous planning goes into these creations?
My style reflects my nature of dualities. This yin yang concept derives from my horoscope sign and ascendant. But it can be found everywhere in nature.Shadow cannot exist without light. These seemingly opposite or contrary elements are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world giving rise to each other. They are actually complementary, not opposing forces, interacting to form a dynamic system. Everything has both yin and yang aspects.
You weave significant elements of traditional wear into your clothes and jewelry. What is your reason for this?
I honor people’s traditions, customs and rituals. Traditional wear is amazing, innovative and inspiring. It’s not just about the embroidery or cut. It’s about ritual. Women used to gather together to weave and they weaved their own stories into the garments. Each garment is different and unique. And for me the ritual is the most exciting part of creation.
What are your plans for the near future?
Travel as much as possible and create many extraordinary collections inspired by Bosnia and Herzegovina beauties.
