ROUGH Conversation With Lithuanian Fashion Designer AGNĖ KUZMICKAITĖ

by CELESTA BALLABANI @celeballabani
•
10 Oct, 2020

Interview

ROUGH had the pleasure of having a short fashion conversation with one of Lithuanian famous fashion designer AGNĖ KUZMICKAITĖ about her newest divulged SS2021 collection during the recently past London Fashion Week.It's adequate to state the namesake brand is known for its edgy silhouette, the boldness and brightness of colour usage, and its exceptional design driven by functional conceptuality. Also, in this interview, the designer shares her view on the some-what-not-good current state of the fashion industry due to global pandemic, fast-fashion, sustainability, and more.

ROUGH: What was the inspiration behind the SS21 collection?

AGNE: In my SS21 collection, I was developing the theme of recycled materials - I used old outfits from second-hand shops and transformed them into new everyday wear such as shirts, jackets and bodysuits. For the final dress in the collection, I wanted to juxtapose the "trash" of second-hand clothing with the monumental beauty of the historical dress. I have chosen second-hand clothing for several reasons - I like to work with the existing symbols of popular and everyday culture therefore I think second-hand clothing, especially sportswear suits my idea very well. The collection is full of different colours and logos. However, I am conscious of the environmental issues in the world and I believe everyone has to take part in solving this problem.

ROUGH: Which challenges did you face whilst producing a collection during these trying times?

AGNE: I had to produce this collection with such a short notice period because I got the confirmation from BFC when there was not much time before fashion week and it was unclear if fashion week would be happening at all. Therefore I was unsure if I should produce the collection.

ROUGH: As a fashion designer, how would you define your role in society? Especially now that we are living in such a different reality that has affected multiple industries, fashion being on top of the list.

AGNE: I think designers have many roles in society at these times. Fashion designers and independent brands can operate as both smaller or bigger businesses, they have big responsibilities for the people they work with including suppliers and clients. They also act as trendsetters and examples for the majority of their followers and customers. They can show their attitude towards consumerism. So I think designers face a big responsibility.

ROUGH: What aspects would you like to improve to achieve a more sustainable and ethical industry?

AGNE: I think that fashion trends aren't changing as quickly, as it is imposed for us to think and believe that real fashion is driven by the idea that the designer is not contributing to harming the environment. I believe that real harm comes from the fast-fashion chains that are orientated towards business only. Therefore I think it is very important that each of us think twice when choosing between mass market and designer.

ROUGH: Your background and the history of your career is an inspiration for many of us. What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow your footsteps?

AGNE: It is very important to balance between practical and creative sides of fashion and to plan in advance.

Click HERE to shop for Agnė Kuzmickaitė Design Collection.

ROUGH Conversation With Lithuanian Fashion Designer AGNĖ KUZMICKAITĖ

Interview

Power Diesel Enlists Sukh Knight For The First Single From His Highly Anticipated EP 'Graphene, Vol. 4'.

Ethereal Artist EMMI IIDA Divulges Single ‘Higher Self’ Feat. PEACHKIT

ROUGH ONLINE Best Music Of The Week #3

ROUGH ONLINE Best Music Of The Week #2

ROUGH ONLINE Best Music Of The Week #1

ROUGH ONLINE Best Music Of The Week #49

ROUGH ONLINE Best Music Of The Week #48

ROUGH ONLINE Best Music Of The Week #47

ROUGH ONLINE Best Music Of The Week #46

ROUGH ONLINE Best Music Of The Week #45