Interview
Kam Dylan
1 Congratulations on your achievements in the French Fashion Awards! Could you share a bit about your awarded design, yourself or your studio?
I am a student designer studying an MA in fashion design at Istituto Marangoni. I submitted an entry in the category of Rising Design Star - Fashion Portfolio. It is a collection based on an important historical woman who is often forgotten. Specifically, it is based on Maharani Jindan Kaur, who fought against British colonial rule in the northern part of India and, in particular, their attempts to annex the Punjab region and absorb the Sikh empire. The British won in the end, but she was seen as a key threat by them and held significant power at a time when women held little political and social power.
2 What’s the one piece in your portfolio that you feel best represents your ideas, and why?
The design, which was constructed, is a tailored jacket with a high neck paired with a gold jacquard cape and wide-leg pants. The garments are made in velvet and incorporate satin ribbon and jacquard to reflect the opulence of the Sikh empire and MJK's authority.
3 What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion design, and what motivates your creative journey?
A deep desire to express creativity and convey messages using fabrics. I am motivated to creatively contribute to our social and cultural time.
4 What’s a day in your studio like—chaos, calm, or a bit of both?
A little bit of both. Calm helps me to focus on being creative and a little chaos can be liberating.
5 If you had to describe your design philosophy in three words, what would they be?
To create designs which can convey a powerful message, visually beautiful, harmonious and stand the test of time.
6 What was the “aha” moment when you knew you had to submit your winning designs to the award?
Seeing other submissions and a desire to be recognised among such talent.
7 If fashion had no rules, what’s the boldest design idea you would bring to life?
An elaborate couture gown reflecting intricate embroidery that glistens. All are made in 100% sustainable and biodegradable materials.
8 How do you balance artistic freedom with the commercial demands of the fashion industry?
By being prolific and designing for varied goals such as commercial outcomes and furthering sustainability efforts.
9 If you could collaborate with any designer or artist, past or present, who would it be, and what would you create?
Cristóbal Balenciaga. An innovative, new silhouette.
10 What does success in fashion mean to you—fame, impact, legacy, or something else entirely?
Impact and expression of creativity.
11 How do you see fashion evolving over the next decade, and where do you see yourself in that position?
I hope to see a meaningful shift to using materials that are truly sustainable. I hope to contribute to material innovation and to demonstrate that doing good does not mean the creative expression and beauty need to be compromised - both can co-exist and, even more so, be complementary.
12 What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self as a designer, or those who are just starting out?
Be prolific - create and experiment, it is part of the process.
13 If you could shape your life’s work into a single message to share with the world, what would it be?
I am still developing it, so I don't know at the moment.
