Andrea Ayala (Antwerp, Belgium)
With her final collection, "Denominate A Space", Andrea Ayala Closa has just completed her studies in fashion design at the Academie in Antwerp. "The space is the background," she says, "like the white walls of a museum. I chose a space with a black backround to focus the attention on what for me was important to show." The collection is a coming-together of ideas, "a fashion show of swimming ideas in a black undefined space, with no other distractions than the construction of the garments." Andrea's influences include Max Ernst, Alejandro Jororowsky, Joan Brossa, Salvador Dali's house in Port Lligat, De Chirico, Jean Cocteau, and Man Ray.
How long have you been designing?
What nationality are you?
How do you choose between menswear and womenswear?
My first collection six years ago was for men and women, but now I do women because I'm more familiar with the patterns and dimensions. But I also worked for Joseph Abril in Barcelona who was doing menswear
How would you describe your designs/style?
An investigation of other ways, always balanced with irony.
People and buildings and artists.
Were you interested in fashion when you were growing up?
I was not really interested in fashion, I wanted to be an actress and singer, but I was always making things.
What was your favourite outfit from your youth?
It was a sweater with fruit on it, one strawberry on each breast.
With all of the press interest in your collection, what are your plans now?
Working for a fashion company, not high street.
Can you ever see yourself having your own label?
I've already worked for a fashion company for two years - Josep Abril in Barcelona - and I know how hard it is to start your own label and to keep it up... So maybe someday, but certainly not now..
Being able to work nicely with a creative team, a good atmosphere and money behind you.
Who do you imagine wearing your clothes?
Anybody that feels like wearing my clothes - I don't want to describe a who.
Can we buy your collection anywhere?
I'm not selling pieces anywhere at the moment.
Are you involved in any projects in other fields?
I'm showing some pieces in an exhibition about Surrealism at the Museum Boymans van Beunigen in Rotterdam, curated by Walter van Beirendonck and Dirk van Saene. I made a speech there about the surrealist inspirations for my collection. I'm also designed a collection of sunglasses for a Spanish company, and some bags for Hugo Boss; and I'm doing clothes for a Barcelona band called Astrud.
What are your plans for the future?
Stop smoking and be based in a fashion company
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
We will see what life brings me.
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