Selected works by Neza Simcic

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   Master's Student in Fashion, Clothing and Textile Design degree at Aalto University with a BA in Textile and Fashion design from the University of Ljubjlana. Currently interning at Cecile Feilchenfeldt’s knitwear studio and looking for junior design positions to contribute my skills and grow as a designer.

My approach to work lies in translating traditional craftsmanship into modern fashion contexts. As a fashion designer, I have a strong affinity for craftsmanship, knitwear, leather goods, and accessories. Known for precision work and attention to detail, I bring a creative yet logical approach to both hands-on and digital design work. 
Throughout my studies and internships, I have gained expertise in knitwear design and development, as well as creating leather goods and accessories [MA Collection Mara 2024, Semifinalist at Louis Vuitton Graduates Initiative 2024]. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and CLO3D.

Find me or connect with me on:

e: neza.simcic@gmail.com
l: linkedin: neža-simčič
i: @nezasimcic

 

Mara (MA 2024)In my collection, I explore the gradual disappearance of traditional textile crafts, with a particular focus on my home country, Slovenia. The collection aims to underscore the value of preserving traditional crafts not only as a counterbalance to fast fashion but also as a means to bolster cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and community ties. The garments draw inspiration from Slovenian craft heritage, particularly the ancient tradition of woodenware and basketry, seamlessly integrating these techniques into a modern design context.


Coming from a background where fashion was not deeply rooted in the culture, my first encounters with the art form were through crafts. I've always admired the high levels of craftsmanship in couture fashion, but it seemed like an unattainable world, detached from my roots and upbringing. More than anything, I felt the need to express the ideas and culture of a small nation that was often oppressed and overlooked. 

By using craft in the guise of couture, I express these ideas. It is a celebration of the thought that one can feel at home even when they don't feel at home, carrying their cultural passport with them through the preservation and reinterpretation of traditional techniques. My wish was to create a full circle with this collection, recalling my very first encounter with the world of fashion and textiles when my grandma handed me her knitting needles. At that time, the outcome was not as important as perfecting the technique.


The hands narrated the work through craftsmanship, and the same notion guided me throughout the design process this time. In a way, I was trying to capture the feeling and warmth of home that I could carry with me wherever I go.