Interview with KOMAD

KOMAD ("KOMAD") interviewed on Thursday, 22 March.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

KOMAD : I graduated at The Faculty For Textile Technology Zagreb in 2005, that is when I also got into the fashion design professionally. I started as a costume designer for independent theatre, and after that freelanced as a designer for a year. 2006 was a big deal for me, because I decided to start my own design studio called BAGGIZ.

How did you become a designer?

KOMAD : Since I was a child I could draw and paint or make clothes for my dolls for hours, that was my favourite entertainment. I was lucky to have parents that recognised my art and design passion and encouraged me to follow my dreams. Although design was always in my life, I started thinking about it professionally when I enrolled the Faculty For Textile Technology in Zagreb. That is where I got my formal education and MA degree in fashion design. The faculty opened my mind and was a good basis for my further growth as a designer. After my graduation and a year of freelancing, I decided to start my own business, my own label Baggiz, which was a kind of very brave idea, but I was very enthusiastic and determined to go thru with it. I started from a scratch, and learned by experience. Since I adore bags, my fist designs were bag designs, and I was simply trying to design a perfect bag for myself. Luckily, everybody loved it, and that made me confident and sure I'm on the right path. I've learned a lot since then, and I love to think I have grown as a designer. Today Baggiz is serious company, run by my partner Tommy and me, and we design bags under label Baggiz and clothes under label KOMAD.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KOMAD : With everything I do, I always start from myself. I can feel if I am true to myself and then everything is fine and I'm happy. But if I feel like I'm designing something I wouldn't wear myself, then I won't go thru with it. That is a keystone I integrate in all my projects. I usually start with a material. I love to touch it and feel it. Then I make a sketch and after that I make my way up to a prototype which I personally test and wear for some time. If it fits me, then it will go into the further production.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KOMAD : I am very impatient person and with every single product I design, I can hardly wait to come to the faze of finished product. That is why I sometimes skip the sketching process and go directly to the prototype making, so I can directly feel it and wear it. But I think the most exciting moment is when the product hits the stores and I can get a feedback from our customers. I love when someone decides to send me an email because he/she is thrilled with my designs! That is what makes the whole thing worth it!

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

KOMAD : I am very organised and extremely stubborn person. I don't like mess - my studio has to be always clean and in order. Creative mess is not an option for me. My designs are also very clean and minimalistic. It wasn't like that from the start, but the older I get, order is more important to me. Not only in design but also in running my own design studio, because today a good designer has to also be a good director, producer and seller.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

KOMAD : I started my design business as an handbag designer, and ever since have been dreaming of designing clothes. I fulfilled that dream 2017. when I started with clothes design, and in this area I consider myself as a beginner. So my future plan is to grow further as an fashion (clothing) designer. I would also like my company to grow internationally , which I am also currently working on, by exhibiting on international fairs.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

KOMAD : Be true to yourself. Good design comes from the heart and you will feel it when you are on the right way. That is where everything starts for me. Second important - be stubborn and don't give up. There will be many hard days, but you can survive it! That is what I still say to myself again and again..... :)

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

KOMAD : Don't give promises you can't keep: always stick to promised deadlines and deliver the best you can! There are also no shortcuts regarding a quality, don't try to save money on high quality materials because it will only backfire into your face!

What is your day to day look like?

KOMAD : I usually start my working day about 9am, when I come to my studio. First I check my emails and my to-do list for the day, and then I start with designing, cutting, sewing, production organisation or what ever is on schedule that day. I also communicate with stores we work with and take care of orders and products in stock. Big part of my job is also researching the new fashion fairs and finding new material suppliers. Most of news and information I get from social networks and internet research.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

KOMAD : I'm always trying to stick with my own personal design style, although I think that is very hard now days. As most of the people, I also go thru social networks every day (my personal favourite is Pinterest) and there are so many amazing ideas and designs. It is very hard to invent something that doesn't exist yet, or not to get influenced directly or indirectly. I don't live in isolation. But I still try to have my own style no matter what is or isn't in trend. I think good, thought-thru design will always be in trend and find it's consumers.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

KOMAD : For me good design is something that attracts your attention, something you fall in love with at first sight, and adore later when you use it and wear it. Good design looks nice but is also very functional. And that is why it is extremely hard to be a good designer, you have to unite good looks and good function in one product. Function is usually clear thing, but this outside look is tricky, because there are fast changing trends, often you have to scale between commercial mainstream and artistic design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KOMAD : Sometimes it is easy, and I feel it right from the start, sometimes it's very hard and it takes me very long to get to finished product, I really have to struggle with it. Many times I don't have the luxury of improving it for ages, because I have to keep to dates. If it takes me too much time, I leave it a little, go do something else or have a rest and then continue, that usually helps me to get a new perspective and finish it. It is normal to grow with time, so there are designs I did in past and think I could have done that much better, and there are others I loved then and still think they are great today. I'm sure it has become a success when people keep on asking for it for years!

What is your biggest design work?

KOMAD : I consider my clothes and bags labels for my biggest design works. That is never ending project, still in progress, and I expect it to grow bigger and stronger with years to come! Since I am my own boss I have the privilege of choosing my own projects and professional paths I wanna take, so I have a whole lot ahead of me, the best is yet to come!

Who is your favourite designer?

KOMAD : My all time favourite are Japanese designers Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake, I love their unique, experimental but minimal fashion. I also adore Rick Owens, he's all into black designs, and black is also my favourite (non)colour! All designers I mentioned have artistic and well thought-thru aesthetic, I'm sure it would be inspirational to meet them and have a little chat with them.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

KOMAD : What inspires me the most is travelling, I love to visit new cities and meeting new people. Since I grew up in a small city, urban energy of big cities fascinates me the most. So far London and Berlin are my favourite. Most of my travelling is connected to work, so thank to design I've seen many interesting places and met many creative designers with whom I had a chance to exchange ideas.That opens my mind and helps me to stay creative.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

KOMAD : My working partner is also my life partner - Tomi. I can't imagine doing all I do without his support. Our work and our life are two inseparable areas, we talk about our work all the time and we love it! :) If hiring someone, I would expect her/him to be as enthusiastic and passionate for design as we are.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

KOMAD : In my spare time I volunteer as an art teacher, I work with kids. That is something that keeps me grounded and real, and also opens my horizons. Kids are always fun to work with, their imagination is amazing! Art and design is something that will outlive us, so I love to think that I've left some trace for generations that will come after me.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

KOMAD : It is always great to get a positive feedback from your colleague designers and that is what A'design Award is all about. It makes me proud that my work is recognized by professionals, and also it inspires me to get better and continue with what I'm doing!

KOMAD Profile