Vladimira Dancova

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Vladimira Dancova ("VD") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

VD : I am a young fashion designer. My passion is street style and ready-to-wear fashion. In my creation, the best result for me is, when people wear my designs. I studied 4 years high School of aplied art in my hometow in Slovakia, the Fashion design section. Now I am currently studing at College of Fashion in Prague, the Czech republic. It´s postgradual study for 3 years. Now I am in second year of my study here. But after finishing this school, I would like to continue at some Fashion university abroad.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

VD : Beacause I feel, that people need art, beauty and design to be happier in their lifes. Everybody likes to see something new and something what he finds beautiful.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

VD : I always wanted to be a fashion designer. It´s my big dream from my childhood and I just try to reach it.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

VD : I make the fashion illustrations, collages, figure studies and small interior accessories from textile. But the most I like to design clothes.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

VD : I am not a design legend. I am young fashion designer too, and maybe it is cliché, but it works the best. Never give up and try it again.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

VD : Good design is the presence, a really good design is the past, presence and the future. If it is good or really good design we will see after time. Perfect design has to be timeless.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

VD : The price is always the same as the customer is willing to pay for concrete design.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

VD : I would like to make special garment for Johnny Depp.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

VD : Limited edition of socks with unique pattern, which is copying your musles on feet.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

VD : It is a lot of names, so I will write only few. Raf Simons, Heider Ackerman, Viviene Westwood, Demna Gvasalia and the brand Vetements, Karl Lagerfeld, Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Frantisek Kupka and others.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

VD : I love small black dress designed by Coco Channel. I love them because they are timeless. It is almost one hundred years ago and it´s still trendy, and always be.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

VD : I think it is my latest collection - Transformation - BackpackJack and exclusive sweaters and socks. I think this designs are really new, look good, have an idea and concept and they are practical.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

VD : I don´t know. I think I am better designer because I disscus and consult my works with other people. And of course I always learn on my own mistakes. The more designs, the more mistakes a person makes, so he can learn from them. This moves the designer further.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

VD : Maybe I would be actress.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

VD : For me design is the way how I can display myself. Design things makes me happier every day, because they are lovely for my eyes and usefull for my hands. The things what you have around you, in your home or what you wear helps you feel better.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

VD : My mother.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

VD : Great teacher.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

VD : To participate in the design competitions is the best way.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

VD : I would like to found my own brand and produce my designs to public.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

VD : Designs, that come to real production and people can buy it, afford it and wear it. Because I think every design should fulfill its role and that is the wearability in fashion.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

VD : It depends on the complexity of the object. The longest process is to create the right technology and materials. On average I think it can be 2 or 3 months. From an idea to the real prototype is a long way of fitting, thinking and working.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

VD : I always start with finding inspiration. Inspiration is everywhere, so I just need to let my mind open. It helps, when I am meditating, or walking in nature where is calm and silence. I always take my sketch book with me and then I just draw something. Plants, flowers, view, trees, it doesn´t matter. Just thinking and drawing. When I have an idea I transform it to the garment. I create pattern, technology, shape, practical properties, select materials and create a collection concept.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

VD : Let my mind open

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

VD : Technology has maybe 65% of all design. It is very important and often determines the appearance of the design. Sometimes I have the strict vision, but during the realization I see it doesn´t work. So I have to change material or shape of the garment. And it is everything about technology.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

VD : I use mostly Adobe Systems for editing illustrations and preparing documentations, porfolio and other prezentations.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

VD : Each designer has some concept of his collection or design and the colour is perfect way how to explain designer´s mood and idea. Colours also have physical role. Through materials and ambient I also catch the concept and include the customer to my idea.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

VD : Why did not it come to me before?

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

VD : I am currently working alone, but I would like to try to collaborate with someone. I believe that more creative people, can make more creative things together than separately.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

VD : My teacher and then my close family.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

VD : I love to wake up and go to my atelier. That feel that I can do all things I like and they make me happy. I am motivated with my customers and progress. When I see my designs are succesful and people like it and want it.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

VD : No it wasn´t. Everybody said "It is hard work and earn money as a designer." But I have always had big suport from my mother.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

VD : People will stop work, walk, eat, talk and their lives will be only virtual.