Fashion Show of the 2024 Diploma Selection Finalists: David R. Siepman, Sejin Park, Valérie Jurčíková, Alex Hayel
Fashion Show of the 2024 Diploma Selection Finalists: David R. Siepman, Sejin Park, Valérie Jurčíková, Alex Hayel
Designblok in cooperation with EUNIC Cluster CR will launch the tenth edition of the international Diploma Selection competition in 2024. 15 finalists from 9 European universities will present themselves as part of the fashion shows. Fashion shows will take place at the premises of the Lobkowicz Palace. *David R. Siepman (NL):* “Ambition is like a drug to me; I can’t get enough. It causes problems in my personal life. I’m pushing myself physically to compete digitally. A personal struggle I recognize in all industries of my generation. The collection focuses on the heavy thoughts and feelings you carry with yourself caused by ambition. This is a story about ambition, pressure, decisions, and love.” *Sejin Park (FR):* “My diploma work uniquely addresses the evolving nature of work attire during the pandemic by juxtaposing the concepts of control and freedom. It creatively blends structured and relaxed elements to reflect the new normal of remote work attire. This collection is not only visually compelling but also conceptually rich, offering a fresh perspective on how clothing can symbolize control and freedom in a changing world. The meticulous design process and thoughtful integration of contrasting elements make it exceptional.” *Valérie Jurčíková (CZ):* “In my diploma project, I worked on the theme of a funeral, or saying goodbye to a loved one, which I approached as a celebration of life conceived with exaggeration and joy. I consider lace as the building material of the entire collection which, together with Mikuláš Brukner, another graduate of the Fashion Design Studio, we transformed into an original knitted fabric. We converted traditional lace patterns into knitting patterns and explored different knitting techniques that helped us achieve a semi-transparent result, just like in the case of classic lace.” *Alex Hayel (PL):* “I wove into the work the essence of one trip to magical Georgia, inspiration from the Sukhishvili ballet and the film “The Color of Pomegranates.” By reinterpreting traditional Georgian dress and film scenes, I created a collection of clothes that brings to life the cultural heritage of a country to which I do not belong as a citizen but with which I identify.”
