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gdm.- Using the Ordinary to Create the Unordinary

gdm., by Alex Trajanov-Godmas, is a place for absolute creativity, sustainability, and freedom. He said, "It is not only the 1/1 handmade designs that make the brand unique, but also because the garments develop and fall apart over time with the wearer based on how they use it." Further, Alex is heavily inspired by punk and his time growing up listening to metal and punk music. He said, "To me punk, as a genre and a lifestyle, represents freedom to do what one likes, where perfection doesn't exist, because the raw, authentic you is already perfect enough."

Keep reading to learn more about the gdm. brand and the authentic and punk mind behind the resourceful and one-of-a-kind designs. You can check out gdm. at Art to Ware now!

Split Turtleneck from [METAL] Collection

KL: Tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do? Where are you from? Etc.

ATG: Hey, I'm Alex! I'm a designer and an artist, and currently, I'm focused on adaptive reuse within fashion, interiors, and furniture. 

I was born in Bratislava, Slovakia, a country in Eastern Europe. I've always been a designer but I actually started in architecture. I studied interior, furniture, and graphic design in Florence, Italy, then moved to the U.S. to study interior architecture at Rhode Island School of Design.

At RISD I found my first passion for “upcycling” in an architectural program that focused on adaptive reuse, which is a process of reusing an existing building for a purpose other than which it was originally built or designed for. Growing up in Slovakia I would constantly see spaces of historical value that were worn down and abandoned, which led me to start exploring these concepts. Portrait

The focus of my thesis project was about reimagining a traditional spa house in my birth city of Bratislava and repurposing it into a modern community center to bring people together. It was about preserving the old energy of the space as a community hub while remaking it into a communal art and design space that would help local artists by providing spaces for events and exhibitions. The interior has been treated with new materials that build on top of the old elements, such as plexiglass and resin, to honor the historical architecture. 

I later continued this ethos of both reuse and repurposing and brought it into fashion.

 

KL: What is your brand? Tell me about its origins, what it stands for, and how it is one-of-a-kind.

ATG: My brand is called "gdm." which is a shortcut for my last name, Godmas, and I came up with it back in 2018 when I first visited New York City. Walking through the streets, seeing all the cracks in the roads and sidewalks, posters layered on top of each other, those were the things that inspired me to create something that embodied that energy and culture of the city through clothing. 

My interest in fashion came from the need to stand out. It was always hard for me to find pieces that I would like and feel comfortable in, so I first started making clothes for myself as a form of self-expression. As I got further into my journey it became less about me and more about high-end art statements. 

“Things have to fall apart before they come together.”

What makes my brand one of a kind is that I create 1/1 designs that are intentionally unfinished. It is not only the 1/1 handmade designs that make the brand unique, but also because the garments develop and fall apart over time with the wearer based on how they use it. The process of creating my pieces is rooted in deconstruction and reconstruction, meaning reusing the old (thrifted and reused materials) to create something new, one of a kind, and elevated - an art piece, a statement.

 

KL: What does “punk” mean to you and how do you use your idea of punk to create the art that you do?

ATG: I have always been a part of the street and punk scene, I was one of those kids that grew up listening to metal and punk bands, always hanging out at the skatepark. When moving to New York, it clicked for me, and I started channeling that into clothing.

To me punk, as a genre and a lifestyle, represents freedom to do what one likes, where perfection doesn't exist, because the raw, authentic you is already perfect enough.

 

KL: What drives you, inspires you, and pushes you to design?

ATG: I'm definitely inspired by a lot of major artists and fashion designers such as Virgil Abloh, Maison Margiela, and Heron Preston who explore similar ideas and concepts. New [BLEND] Collection

All of these designers broke the mold and reimagined what fashion could be through reuse, statement pieces, and out-of-the-box ideas. They broke the fashion industry as it is and introduced something new and fresh.

One of my main inspirations, Virgil Abloh would often bring attention and prestige to things that were historically undervalued or looked down on, such as t-shirts and construction materials, similarly to what I do through my work with the concept of upcycling - using the ordinary to create the unordinary and elevating it.

 

KL: What garments are your favorite to create? Why?

ATG: It would have to be my current collection, honestly all I’m currently working on. Whenever I’m working on a new collection I’m learning new techniques and pushing boundaries of what I’m capable of. I treat my fashion line as experiments, my favorite child is always the one I’m currently working on.

I call my most recent collection "BLEND", as the concept lies in combining multiple different pieces of clothing into one. I put my focus on more out-of-the-box ideas from offset pockets, to back pockets, random cutouts or zippers throughout the pieces. I like to play with materiality and contrast in the things I make.

 

KL: What does it mean to have your brand featured in Art to Ware?

ATG: I first heard of Art To Ware when I met Lesley about a year ago. Being a part of Art To Ware means my first physical footprint and presence for the brand where I am able to mingle with people in the streets of New York. Previously, it would be only me and my friends wearing them. 

Art To Ware is aligned with my mission to embody energy and culture in NYC, and now it gives the brand a space to exist in. “gdm.” gets to sit in a community of other artists and talented designers, whereas a designer I am more connected to the art community in the city.

 

KL: What is your vision for the future of fashion?

ATG: My vision for the future of fashion definitely lies in sustainability. Fast fashion is not acceptable anymore and all brands are starting to move towards more sustainable ways of making clothing. I think upcycling and reuse is going to be a trend for years to come as it does not require new materials and reduces waste, leading fashion towards a more sustainable future.

On top of that, I see the future of fashion reaching into the individuality of others. Rather than fast fashion pieces for everyone, designers should help people bring out their originality and freedom to be the unique character that they are.

 

All photos courtesy of Alex Trajanov-Godmas.

Kasey Lettrich on February 16, 2022 at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Harmonious and Whimsical- Parron Allen Designs Garments To Make You Feel Good!

From small-town Mississippi to Brooklyn, New York, Parron Allen is a one-of-a-kind designer who takes inspiration from his childhood in Mississippi to design garments that provide a "cohesive aesthetic of sophisticated whimsy and an attitude of resolute joy." Parron's grandmother provided a unique and personal influence on Parron that inspired him to make whimsical dresses that encourage women to feel good! Parron said, "I witnessed how amazing the garments made them feel! It was like they were able to shed some of Jim Crow's burden in the simple yet thoughtful dresses that Momma Ruth made for them - smiling, twirling, and bantering about good things on days of rest." Continue reading to learn more about Parron Allen, the joyous work he creates, and his vision for the future of fashion. You can shop Parron's work now at Art to Ware!

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KL: Tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do? Where are you from? Etc.

PA: My name is Parron Allen and my mother, who was a high school librarian, chose the name Parron after one of her favorite students suggested it to her. She loved how unique it sounded—especially for a kid from Lexington, Mississippi. Allen was my paternal grandfather’s first name and was also my Dad’s middle name. I am a Brooklyn-based apparel designer.

I was born and raised in the rural South, but I always had dreams of doing more and seeing beyond farmland, kudzu, and dirt roads.

 

KL: You are heavily inspired by your childhood in Mississippi. How does your work reflect this inspiration?

PA: Parron Allen is the name of my brand—based on my first and middle name. My brand is all about clothes that start conversations. Made to be centered as everyday statement pieces, my designs elevate classic silhouettes with artful surprises, sensual fabrics, and luxurious finishes to evoke a cohesive aesthetic of sophisticated whimsy and an attitude of resolute joy! My design vision is inspired by my childhood in Lexington, Mississippi. My grandmother, Momma Ruth, expressed herself by sewing dresses for the women in her family and community. I witnessed how amazing the garments made Image_6483441 them feel! It was like they were able to shed some of Jim Crow's burden in the simple yet thoughtful dresses that Momma Ruth made for them - smiling, twirling, and bantering about good things on days of rest. My work echos this joyous harmony of whimsy and practicality in a voice for the present moment.

 

KL: What garments or accessories do you love to create the most? Why?

PA: I love making dresses, as you might guess from my childhood inspiration! That has to be my number one favorite! As a kid, I loved it when girls would wear them! I remember asking my sisters to twirl around just so I could see them spin and see how much the pleats, godets, and added fullness would flow. There’s nothing more magical than a flattering dress on a confident woman. Add pockets and she can conquer the world!

 

KL: What does it mean to have your brand featured in Art to Ware?

PA: I have had a long history of working with awesome Women of Color and the founder of Art to Ware, Lesley Ware, is no exception. She lives the principle of raising a vision together with the designers she mentors and supports.

To be part of her vision is like the meringue on top of a delightful banana pudding! It’s an amazing addition to something that’s already wonderful! I feel like I am part of her legacy because she inspires me as a designer.

 

Image_6483441 (1)KL: What is your vision for the future of fashion?

PA: My true vision is to see fashion continue to evolve into more than just garments and become a vehicle of getting people excited to start new conversations about our world and how we interact with it in regards to sustainability, social justice, and inclusivity while still being artfully and thoughtfully designed. I aspire to offer that with my own collections and look for it in the work of others.

Photos provided by Parron Allen.

Kasey Lettrich on February 02, 2022 at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Art to Ware is Now Available on Nuuly Thrift!!

We're excited to announce a whole new way to shop Art to Ware, thanks to Nuuly Thrift! In the past, we have partnered with Nuuly by using their out-of-circulation garments for upcycling created by a variety of Art to Ware designers. We are so grateful to have advanced our partnership with Nuuly and are now featured on the Nuuly Thrift appDSC02990 2!

You will be able to find and shop exclusive Art to Ware items without having to leave your home! Nuuly Thrift is an app where you can shop any and all secondhand, vintage and reworked items. We've got our own page on the app, @art_to_ware, where you'll find OOH BABY, JRAT, Parron Allen, GDM, Alexa Stark, EPPERSON, and Art to Ware Originals. Download the app and start shopping Art to Ware now!

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Kasey Lettrich on January 26, 2022 at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Art to Ware's First Video Lookbook- Try It On!

Check out Art to Ware's first video lookbook styled with reworked and transformed Nuuly garments! Made possible by the support of ChaShaMa, Art to Ware is a woman-owned business that creates socially conscious and sustainability-focused pop-up shops that are brimming with independent designers and an ever-growing creative community. Keep an eye out for more video lookbooks at Art to Ware!

Video by: Victor Varnado
Model: Briy Gilgeous
Looks by: Parron Allen, EPPERSON, OOH BABY, Lesley Ware (aka The Creative Cookie), and Urbn Rewrrk
Creative team: Curtis Bryant, Rachel Teichman, Victor Varnado, Lesley Ware, Parron Allen, and Emily Bell

Kasey Lettrich on January 20, 2022 at 01:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Dive Into blú- the Woman-Owned and Sustainable Swimwear Brand at Art to Ware

blú is an intelligent choice- be bold - be brave.

blú Swimwear is a woman-owned and founded business run by Heather Durst and Keri O'Shea. Unlike other swimwear brands, blú designs colorful swimsuits with thick material in a sustainable manner. All of its swimwear and packaging are created with recycled material and 5% of purchases are donated to The Ocean Conservancy. With sustainability in mind, these women created something truly one-of-a-kind and inspiring. Keri O'Shea said, "We had this incredible vision of an aerodynamic/hydrodynamic and fluid-looking suit." Continue reading to hear from the founders of this exceptional brand that can be found at Art to Ware!

Blu2

KL: Tell me a bit about yourselves. What do you do? Where are you from? Etc.

HD: Hello! My name is Heather Durst and I am from Bedford, NY. I am a mom of one great boy named Griffin, and a mom to two donkeys, four goats, five ducks, 12 chickens, one horse, and four dogs!

 

KL: What is blú Swimwear? Tell me about its origins, the efforts it supports, and how it is one-of-a-kind.

HD: My last “child” is my swimwear business that I co-parent with my closest friend, Keri O’Shea. We started blú Swimwear and sweet cheeks by blú three years ago to make swimwear more comfortable, sustainable, multipurpose, and modern. We have searched high and low for comfortable and beautiful swimwear for our husbands and our children and everything looked and felt the same- tight, bulky, black or blue, and blah. So we designed beautiful, colorful suits with a thick, amazing material that only blú uses to make the perfect, one-of-a-kind suit to add fun and happiness to summer! 
 
But, we wanted to do it in a way that had less impact than other swimsuit companies. What does it say about people who believe in sustainability and do not actively pursue it themselves? Therefore we made sure our swimwear and packaging is made with recycled material. Plus, 5% of every purchase is donated to The Ocean Conservancy, and any extra suits we do not sell we donate to our local Boys and Girls Club.
 
KO: 10 years ago, the six of us were on a family vacation at Round Hill resort in Jamaica. My son, 11 at the time, said, 'Mom look at that bathing suit!' I said, 'Shane you have a good taste - that’s Ralph Lauren in a bright white, body forming Euro brief suit.' The following year we went to Club Med in the Dominican Republic and I saw similar bathing suits but with drab olive green and translucent gray. I understood the appeal of a formfitting suit but I wondered why are these men wearing ugly colors and boring solid suits. This was truly the impetus of blú Swimwear. Luckily, my son was taking Mandarin in high school and he helped me find our manufacturer via FaceTime. It has truly been a family business. My girls have helped with social media and my youngest son has been a model like Heather’s son.
Blu1
 

KL: Talk to me about the importance of two women running a brand together.

HD: When Keri and I started the business, we knew that we had many other responsibilities. As most people know, most of the responsibilities of the family fall on women. So, taking on another job was scary but necessary. We knew we had a product that we had to make for a need that was not met. But we also needed to not be fearful of taking a risk at 50- telling family members that we have a dream that we want to follow and become financially independent on our own. Women often face challenges of status quo- not taking risks. 

 

KL: What drives you? What pushes you to create the swimwear that you do?

HD: We are driven by the desire to have a product that people love and appreciate. Solving a problem that people realize needs to be solved in a way that promotes happiness, not to mention, allowing other women 50+ to follow their dreams. There are not many of us out there and we want to change that!
 

KL: What does it mean to have blú featured in Art to Ware?

HD: It means the world to us to be hosted by such a creative brand in a space that allows us to have many different eyes on our product that might not otherwise see. “ATW” is a women-owned and run business which of course we love, but also has the creative look and feel we align with. I bought a coat and a belt from ATW the first week we connected with each other!

 

KL: What is your vision for the future of fashion?

HD: Fashion is so subjective in terms of look and excitement. What I do hope for is that small businesses like ours are given a chance to shine in a competitive world. If blú Swimwear is ever as successful as we hope, Keri and I pledge to pay it forward to other small fashion businesses so they have a shot at success. All the beautiful brands that are waiting to be discovered are exciting!

 

All images are courtesy of Heather Durst and Keri O'Shea.

Kasey Lettrich on January 19, 2022 at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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