Karen Topacio

Designer

Karen Topacio

Category

Men’s & Women’s / Ready To Wear and Accessories

Brand information / About the designer

―What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Describe developments leading up to the brand launch.

I was a late bloomer when it comes to fashion. I was always into arts but I was very busy exploring all forms of it including film and photography. After many years of searching for the right path, it came to me that fashion would be the perfect avenue to practice everything I love!

After graduating from IFA Paris where I earned a Master of Art in Contemporary Fashion Design, I received some positive feedback from many people. I joined many contests and was preselected for LVMH Prize for graduates in May 2015. That helped me gain more confidence in my brand so that’s when I officially started. I have been very lucky because as soon as I decided to launch my brand, my former school, IFA Paris supported me in every step of the way – from providing me a small studio space at their building to sponsoring and showcasing my collections at their events such as Tranoi Paris.

―What is the brand’s concept? What do you want to communicate through fashion designing? What are the images of men and women you want to project?

The brand’s style originates from the contrasting environments I grew up in – the tropical scenery of the Philippines and the modern and contemporary infrastructure of Australia. This is translated through organic yet graphic shapes and the use of technology in the creative or fabrication process while keeping a minimalist aesthetic.

Innovation and imagination are key parts of the brand identity so the garments are always playful and imaginative – giving women a sense of originality.

―What is your source of inspiration in creating fashion? What is your process of developing a design concept?

I am often inspired by the contrast between nature and modern life so the end result would always be something graphic, futuristic yet organic. That is the universe that I work with every season and from there, how do I start? Research – A lot of research. Often times, I research to find the good direction and surprisingly sometimes, to start from a certain type of material. I don’t jump right into a sketch but rather try and develop the concept further by looking at the many aspects of the one idea. This is definitely the longest and my favorite part of the process because I get to play around like a child without any sense of responsibility before we need to get serious and start making real products.
I work very closely with my partner Evgeniya Cheglakova and she often takes my crazy ideas and turns them into sellable products.

―Who are your current stockists (areas, retail formats, etc.)? Describe the typical followers of your brand.

We sell directly to clients through our website and pop-up stores. We are also available through an online store in London called Clothing Lounge and Kodd Korner in Paris. Most of our followers are fashion enthusiasts who study or work in the field of arts like fashion and design.

―Which brands, designers, styles and cultures have had the most impact on your fashion designing, and why?

In terms of style, it would have to be Rei Kawakubo. She is an institution! For so many years, she has always brought something different and unimaginable to the fashion world, rather than following the trends. I have also been really inspired by Iris Van Herpen in recent years. We have very different styles but I admire her creations. They are not just futuristic, but more like pieces of art that tell a story. She is one of the first designers to incorporate technology into her designs. She did not only inspire me to innovate but she also opened me to the beauty of collaborating with other artists. I think, because of her, the fashion industry has become more collaborative, curious and open to working with people from other disciplines.

About 2017 S/S collection

―Why have you chosen Tokyo(Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO) as the venue for presenting your collection?

It is such a great honour and opportunity to have been selected to participate in this years’ Asian Fashion Meets TOKYO show and to present alongside three other Filipino designers. Fashion Week in Tokyo is a great platform for young designers to showcase individuality and creativity to a very open and diverse audience.

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2017 S/S season?

For Spring/Summer 17, I was inspired by a recent return to the balmy tropics of my homeland, reconnecting not only with the natural world, but the hustle and bustle of Manila. This collection draws direct influence from nature’s colours and patterns through a mix of supple fabrics and graphic shapes that add an organic aesthetic. Mother Nature is represented through bold laser cut leather details holding pops of bright colors together!

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

A fun walk in nature. I imagine a graphic jungle with pop-art grass and flowers sprouting out of the concrete floor.

Future

―What are your brand’s future outlook and goal?

Each season, we want to bring something new to fashion so we are constantly reaching out to other artists to collaborate and explore new technologies together. We want our customers to not only wear but experience our brand universe.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

Tokyo for me is the center of fashion for Asia. It’s definitely a big player in trendsetting, although I also admire it’s long lasting avant-garde scene.

―Which parts / sites of Tokyo do you like most? Why?

This is a tough question. I was in Japan about 8 years ago and when I was there, I visited so many sites from temples in Hakone and Kamakura to museums and shopping districts but the places I enjoyed the most were the unique districts such as Harajuku, Akihabara and even the very busy Shibuya. I loved the quaint Japanese cafes and shops. I also enjoyed the onsens and spas, it was certainly a special experience, very different from what we get back home.

―What are your favorite / recommended shops (of any genres, e.g. fashion stores, homeware stores, food services), facilities and sites?

Dover Street Market, Kinokuniya, Comme des Garçons, Akihabara district