Rebeka Pal: NEO-NATURALISM

My graduation collection’s name is ‘Neo-Naturalism’ and it is meant to represent my current design and life philosophy. I think we shouldn’t forget that humans are a part of nature, and they are supposed to live in symbiosis with it. We need to take good care of the Earth in order for it to be able to provide us with the resources we need. My collection is about relearning to view ourselves as part of nature and learning to live with it again. The inspiration behind the garments’ silhouettes and details is ancient Hungarian/Hun-Age clothing and Westernwear. The apparels of two cultures from different times and places are united by the mindset of respecting nature and understanding what most of us have forgotten by now. On the other hand, today there is enough academic research and technological advancements available for the fashion industry to 'shed’ its old, unsustainable ways. This is the symbolism behind the shedded snake skin knits that were developed for this collection. Transparency and authenticity are some of the most important things a brand or designer can have. That’s why I’ve only used deadstock fabrics and made sure that all the leather used was a byproduct of the meat industry as well as deadstock. I also find it really important that my garments all send a message. I believe that fashion is one of the most important platforms of our time, since many people pay attention to it. Ever since my first accessory design project was selected as a semi-finalist of the Louis Vuitton Accessory Design Graduates Initiative, I’ve been interested in exploring accessory design as well as continuing to design womenswear. Besides designing, my other passion is conducting research that can help sustainable fashion by understanding the connection between human mentality and fashion. In my dissertation, I’ve researched what elements of fashion ’stay in style’ according to human psychology to determine what makes a garment ‘timeless’.