Jan Brovč is a young fashion designer from Slovenia, whose designs were featured in the ADAM INTO MADAM editorial shot by Claudi Sovre Mikelj (NEW EDGE X – Changes) and SUMMER BREEZE online exclusive editorial shot by Manca Kocjančič. Jan, well known for his extravagant and otherworldly designs among his peers and other creatives, impressed the wider fashion crowd with his unique aesthetics at LJFW 2018 as part of the Faculty for Design runway and later, in 2019, when he presented a full collection with his very own LJFW runway show. 

We talked to Jan about his designs, his creative process and his inspirations and what the future holds for him in terms of his creative fashion journey. 

In a few words, introduce yourself to our readers – who are you and what is it that you do?

Hi, I’m Jan Brovč. I know how to sew and also know how to make clothes. Passion4Fashion.

 

When was the first time you showed interest in fashion and being creative?

From a very young age I have always been creating stuff. I did some DIYs, paintings but never thought I would specialise in fashion design. The first time I kind of came into contact with fashion design was when I was into the rave scene. It all began when I started redesigning clothes for clubbing and nights out. I glue-gunned fabrics, I spray-painted pants, I DIY-ed some weird glow up hoodie so that it looked like Pokémon. I basically still do that now haha, but more in “fashion”.

 

How did your fashion journey begin?

My journey as a designer goes back into high school, when my mum bought me an old sewing machine from the 80s – Ruža (which is still my main gadget). At first, I had no idea how to use it at all. Eventually, I started to pay attention to what was happening in the fashion industry. Because of that, after high school, I went to the Faculty of Design, where I graduated from Textile and Fashion.

 

What would you say was the turning point for your career? What is it that you’re proud of?

My turning point happened during my student years. Through these years I met people, gained experience, learned a lot of stuff – and I’m still learning. I also kind of found my designing aesthetics which I always try to upgrade and redefine trough my collections. My proudest moment… it is hard to point out just one, because all of them are important in some way. Maybe the highlight of the previous year was a shoot with the drag queen Milk and Ljubljana Fashion Week in October.

 

What challenges did you face along the way?

There are always challenges in the process of creating clothes. Even if it looks easy to achieve, you will come across some problems for sure. My biggest challenge or issue is when I am not motivated. I have times when I feel uninspired and stuck in the process. Also keeping myself focused on my work is challenging from time to time.

 

How would you describe your style and aesthetics? Who do you design for?

My designs are very experimental. It’s something between sci-fi Leigh Bowery meets DIY couture. When I’m making stuff, I’m trying to enjoy the process. At the beginning of my designing ‘career’ I was making clothes for myself, basic pieces only. Through my studies at the Faculty of Design, I began to develop my aesthetic and sort of realised what I wanted to create. Over the years I started to pay more attention to shapes and textures and how I can create my own by using mixed media. I mostly do custom garments. I design stuff for people who want to have fun. Basically, it depends on submissions; I do clubwear, costumes, basic pieces with my touch.

 

Where do you draw your inspiration from, what’s your process of creating like?

The garments that I create and produce are not defined by gender- if it fits, it fits. My main inspiration for my work is the 80s club scene, sci-fi movies such as Liquid Sky, Blade runner… I am trying to create my imaginary world and bring it to life. With each garment, I express myself as much as I can. Most of the clothes are based on different textures such as hand embroidery, screen-print, fabric deformations… I do not pay attention to wearability.

My designing process is very messy. It usually starts with inspiration, sometimes it starts with material that I have access to. I don’t do sketches at the beginning. I go directly into the pattern cutting and try to realize the models that I’ve created in my head.

 

What are your future plans?

My plans are to continue building my label. Maybe apply for an internship. At the moment, I basically accept all creative projects to stay focused. I am also starting on a new collection.

 

Do you have any advice for young creatives, or anyone interested in fashion design who’s just starting out or is afraid to start?

Simply start creating. Do not bother with negative reactions and critics. Have fun and enjoy it.

 

Is there a motto you stick to and would like to share with our readers?

MORE IS MORE <3!

 

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Photography credits: Bogdan Stanga, Mario Zupanov, Jure Makovec, Manca Kocjančič, Claudi Sovre Mikelj

Styling credits: Anže Ermenc, Pissy Pussy

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The CREATORS is a series of interviews featuring creative individuals we’ve collaborated with on our published editorials. The series focuses on their background, philosophy, inspiration, work ethics and their other projects and shines a light on who they are as artists.