How did your visit to the MET exhibition influence your creative process?

The inspiration to use leather came from the Met exhibition. I was impressed by its introduction to the functionality and emblematic meaning of armor. Through further research, I discovered that ancient armor makers used leather to pattern iron armor. Leather armor was prevalent throughout the Middle Ages. It served as an underlayer, an overlayer, or covered specific parts of the body. Also, leather is a material closely tied to armor in a fashion context, as it is both wearable and usable in modern times. Many fashion designers, like Jean Paul Gaultier and Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, have utilized leather in their designs. Therefore, I decided to initially develop my materialities with leather.

Can you describe the techniques you used, such as screen-printing and heat press, to transform historical images into contemporary prints?

After extensive testing with screen printing and heat pressing, I’ve determined that the technique should vary based on the materials used. For leather and pleather, I use heat pressing, while screen printing works well with a broader range of fabrics, including organza and silk. However, for materials like linen and mesh, which don’t suit screen printing, I opt for digital fabric printing. I initially started with heat pressing but switched to screen printing because the limitations of my equipment made it challenging to achieve fine details with heat pressing on dark fabrics. Screen printing offers a wider color range and ensures greater detail in the prints.

Do you feel that your wearable pieces, crafted for modern-day “battlefields,” enable women to showcase their boldness, edginess, individuality, self-expression, and rebellious spirit in their daily lives?

Definitely. I captured photos of their permanent armor collection and transformed these visual materials into captivating prints. I purposely enlarged the size of the prints and varied the ink used on different materials. Additionally, I changed the number of print passes for each piece to mimic the shine and motifs of armor to the utmost extent. These pieces are not just fashion statements; they are symbols of strength and confidence, enabling women to feel empowered and assert their presence in any environment.

What exciting innovations and designs can we expect from you in the near future?

I’m planning to dive deeper into screen printing techniques and create a complete look where every item—shoes, glasses, earrings, hats, necklaces, and bags—is entirely screen printed. My vision is centered on fashion that makes a bold and edgy statement, catering to customers who seek individuality, self-expression, and a rebellious spirit.