Designer Zoran Dobric

Is 3D print and Laser-cutting techniques popular among designers in Canada?

           

            Fashion can be defined as an individualistic creative expression that is incorporated in one’s wardrobe. One of the most innovative and artistic designers known to North America is Zoran Dobric. Dobric uses techniques such as embroidery, shibori pleating, laser cut, block and screen-printing and has been a predominant element in his process.  His pieces were mentioned as “Innovative, yet wearable pieces of art” (WMCFW designer profile) and I have to say I agree. His techniques for creating these pieces of art are unique and fashion forward. Zoran has had his designs published in many fashion magazines as well as articles about his work and was awarded with the London based Shaftsbury award for emerging artists. Most recently he was mentioned on a well-known fashion writer’s blog and was rated #2 as her top 10 Canadian designers shown at this years World Master Card Fashion Week Spring/Summer 16. “With a focus on laser cuts and metallic, Zoran Dobric incorporated two of my favourite elements into his SS16 collection.  For the laser cuts, the designer paired with local digital fabrication expert, Fare Made to create his unique cut-out pieces and floppy headgear,” said Meaghan Elizabeth.

 

             Laser-cut seems to be a hot trend on the runway and on the red carpet for Spring/Summer 16. This year’s MET Gala theme was announced recently; “Manus X Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”, and is mentioned by the writer of GQ Magazine Megan Gustasha to “surely result in a host of laser-cut and 3D-printed ensembles on the red carpet”.

            I had a chance to sit with the magnificent Zoran and discuss his creative brilliance and views on his innovative signature style and his opinion on the hot trend of laser-cutting garments.

Q: How did you come to think to use laser cut fabrics for your designs?

A: Last season I experimented with laser cut wood accessories; so I wanted to research further to see what else I could do with laser cutting.  This season I experimented with laser cutting neoprene and metallic heat transfer mirror foils.

Q: is laser cutting expensive in Canada?

A: Depending on the size of artwork it's reasonably affordable.

Q: do you get your fabrics laser cut in Canada or overseas?

A: In Canada, I used several great laser-cutting contractors in Toronto.

Q: do you think the techniques used to create your fabrics are techniques popular among designers in western society (Canada)?

A: I think recently laser cutting is getting much more used now with designers such as Sid Neigum and others, but I haven't seen anyone use laser cut metallic foils in the designer collections.  I like discovering new methods and materials and applying them in a new way.

Q: Your designs seem to have an elegant cohesion with your digital prints, is there a mathematical formula you encompass to fulfill your vision?

A: Yes, they were carefully planned out in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, making sure that laser cut metallic details line up precisely with the sublimation printed backgrounds.

Q: As a creationist what is the most difficult task in the process of your designs?

 A: I think it's editing.  Sometimes it's hard to critically look at your ideas and edit them down to a more cohesive grouping.

Q: In your opinion what are the elements for a successful design?

 A: Creativity and innovation balanced with marketability/commercial appeal of the design.  It's a really hard balance to achieve.

 Q: As an advocate of individualism, what does your artwork attempt to say to the world?

 A:  Hopefully my artwork speaks about the wearer's passion for colour, texture, and art.  It communicates the wearer's artistic tastes and personality.

Q: Who are a few inspirational artists/ designers that have shaped your views towards a new-age fashion revolution?

 A: I really admire Comme des Garcons, Junya Watanabe and Issey Miyake.  Their work is always so inspirational and avant garde.

            The results of such laser cutting have beautifully come together, however his garments do not look like an inexpensive technique but rather a work of wearable art. Symmetry and asymmetry are underlying focal points in Zoran’s prints; gothic architectural essences seem to also reveal itself. The intricate manipulation of Zoran’s work is very striking and is definitely an up-coming trend among Canadian designers alike. Most designers have many obstacles to overcome in their fashion journey, be it production, marketing, even creativity. Successful designers have not only earned the reputation for being artists and icons but also convey a distinctive message to the public.