Andrea Pojezdalova – Slovakia

Traditional costume plays an important role in the history of each nation as it demonstrates the cultural heritage and local customs of the country and the social status of its citizens. In the fashion industry the folk dresses are often the source of inspiration for artists and designers due to their elaborate decoration and exaggerated silhouettes.

The Slovak national costume, called ‘’kroj’’, gained recognition in the 19^th century as a festive dress, popularly worn to dancing occasions and celebrations. Kroj is rich in texture, folding and the quantity of used garments; it typically consists of colourful shroud, skirt, apron, blouse and vintage patterned vest.

Designer Andrea Pojezdalova decided to give this traditional costume a feminine touch and created its modern 21^st century version. For the collection called White, she designed pieces that highlight the contrast between current fashion and the decor inspired by past. Although she sought the inspiration in historic apparel her designs are very unconventional a contradictory to what our grandmothers used to wear. The aim is to celebrate beauty of the human body by using delicate fabrics that act like a second skin and smoothly follow female silhouette. That is in contrast to extensively embellished traditional garments, usually made out of multiple layers of heavy textiles. Andrea opted for leatherette as the main material and used only the shades of white to express the sophisticated style of her designs. Inspired by the classical embroidered motifs she created soft perforated pattern that decorates the hemlines of shorts and knee-length skirts. She also added puff sleeves, typical for the 19^th century Eastern European clothing.

Andrea’s interest in eco-friendly fashion prompted her to re-consider her working ethic and use techniques that are gentler to the environment. She always tries to  use each piece of purchased material and many of her tops and accessories are sewed from fabric scraps that would be otherwise wasted. Sharp tailoring and original story behind the White collection appealed to the jury of international designers and secured Andrea the first place in Re-act Fashion Contest in Poland and Brillance Fashion Competition in Slovakia.

She paired up with photographer Andrea Zvadova to create black and white lookbook that supports the soft and timeless elegance of her designs.