The collection ‘Existential Nomad’ is a reflection on modern society and personal experience of migration. The work reflects contemporary phenomena such as globalization, migration, capitalism and discovery of self.
The collection is based on the nesting dolls principle: all of the garments can be layered over each other and the outermost can encase the inner layers. Each layer is based on a traditional garment, passed on through the generations and remaining virtually unchanged such as tunic, caftan and cloak. Only natural fabrics and materials have been used for the collection: linen, wool and recycled leather. Hand quilting, stitching, wet felting and dyeing techniques have been utilised. Rather than going out of fashion these garments will enhance its quality by living with the wearer thus addressing contemporary global issues of overconsumption and pollution.
Archetypes of human dwellings from diverse cultures, archival articles of nomadic clothing, works of Belarusian-French immigrant artist Marc Chagall and Inis Mór seascapes are the inspirations behind this timeless collection. The collection ‘Existential Nomad’ connects cultures through time, it is not about trends and ever-changing fashion but focuses on enduring shapes and details of functional garments and accessories. This work brings together the ideas of utility, passing on culture and self-discovery, drawing on widespread human experience, existential desires and fulfilment.
Álla Sinkevich
Award-winning sustainable designer-maker Álla Sinkevich with a multicultural background works in the field of Art Fashion with a strong focus on sustainability. Álla was born in Ukraine, schooled in Belarus, lived and worked in Ireland for 7 years, currently studying Masters Programme in Fashion Design at The Royal Danish Academy, Copenhagen.
