Photo styled by Anamaria Osorio and shot by Kelsey Riggs
Eva Di Franco is the current Emerging Designer at the FLY Fashion Loves You boutique and instructor at FUA for Fashion Design Studio classes. In this interview conducted by FLY's experiential learning team composed of coordinator Gaia Poli and students Anamaria Osorio and Kelsey Riggs, Eva shares the many sides of her creative perspective and design inspirations.
Eva, what often ignites your creativity?
Most of the time it is fabric that inspires my work because of its physical reaction, how it works and behaves on the clothing stand. That is why I work directly from the stand rather than sketching first, my sketches are usually the final step. Fabric is quite inspiring for designers. I am very much into the “no waste” philosophy, so I avoid cutting away the fabric and work with what I have at disposal. The abundance of fabric is not only an inspiration for me but a value and definitely an element to play with. Color also can inspire me. My last collection was called “Whites” and true to its name, it was all white.
What do you do when you feel blocked and not inspired?
I think inspiration is pretty much everywhere, so if I don't feel any inspiration whatsoever it means that I haven't looked or focused properly. I don't usually get stuck in too many creative ruts. I am very curious, and I always look for new people, objects, shows, or exhibitions.
Name a person, character, or icon in the past or present who inspires you.
One is for sure Elsa Schiaparelli, a designer from the 1930s. She was cool, very smart, and ironic in her designs. Many designers were inspired by her and her work. She was a very independent woman for her time. Another individual is a bit of a crazy one, Yayoi Kusama. She is a Japanese artist who inspires me for her obsessions; her work is based on obsession and repetition.
Where do you see or would like to see your collections in 5 years?
I would like to see my clothes around the world, in different countries. I am aware of spreading a language that is universal, an aesthetic and conceptual value that can be interpreted different throughout the world. My ideal target is a confident and creative person, and I fully trust my customers’ individuality!
