The Ava Tunic Dress by Bianca Elgar

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

BE : I designed a neckline loop system for dresses and tops, to be able to transform and personalise the look of an outfit with silk accessories. I was inspired by the opportunity of creating a variety of looks with just a few statement accessories.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

BE : Creating a variety of looks with one well designed capsule wardrobe.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

BE : To market the design worldwide.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

BE : About six months.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

BE : This is my own design, after travelling with limited space I was inspired by the opportunity of creating a variety of looks with just a few items of clothing and accessories, as well as showing off scarf prints in a new way.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

BE : The design is used by my own company, I intend on continuing this.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

BE : I enjoy creating silkscreen art that can be worn in different ways. Art is a form of self expression, as is fashion and I wanted to merge this concept.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

BE : Coco Chanel's Little Black Dress.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

BE : Women of all shapes and sizes, who like statement silk scarves and accessories.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

BE : It is elegant, understated and versatile.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

BE : The Ava because the name is elegant and easy to remember.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

BE : I worked with a pattern cutter.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

BE : It's versatility.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

BE : I worked with a free-lance pattern cutter.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

BE : There is a trend towards ethical, ecological and sustainable (slow) fashion which I am aware of.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

BE : I wanted to create a tunic dress that would be suitable for women of all shapes and sizes.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

BE : I was approached to submit my designs as they are perceived to be innovative, when I researched the earlier A' Design Competitions, I felt that I would fit in.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

BE : I learned how important high quality fabric is in creating a "timeless" design.