Central Saint Martins student and Sarabande scholar Paula Mihovilović discusses fast fashion, growing up in Croatia and her final collection.
Perfect: What is one of your earliest memories of fashion?
Paula Mihovilović: Most people growing up in Croatia I was surrounded by fashion. My parents’ used to run a big Croatian fashion brand so as a child I remember travelling to Italy sourcing fabrics, having late nights watching my mum set out stores and being surrounded by fabrics and textiles. Unfortunately as fast fashion began to move into Croatia my parents business suffered meaning that at a young age I observed the light and shade of the industry.
Perfect: In what way does Croatia inspire your work?
Paula Mihovilović: I have lots of respect and love for traditional/historic Croatian clothing and I also love the charity shops there. You are able to find a diverse range of workwear, designer, very 'European clothing' and traditional clothing all for very cheap! The juxtaposition of the ceremony and craft associated with historic clothing in contrast to the way in which people consume and wear clothes now in Croatia also interests me.
Perfect: What references influence your work?
Paula Mihovilović: I really try to draw from multiple references at the same time for a project, whether it be bird feathers, vintage garments, art, music, literature or other fashion. My work is quite reactionary in the sense that I surround myself with curated images and objects and design mainly based on the feeling and mood I get from that imagery.
Perfect: How do you come up with the idea for a design?
Paula Mihovilović: My designs come from a real range of places. Often my shape can come purely from draping and on the body development, however, at the moment, I have done a deep dive into 1950's Couture in regards to the shape, technique and also the context in which people wear couture.
Perfect: What is your favourite part in the process of creating a garment?
Paula Mihovilović: My favourite part of the process is wearing the finished garment out! I do love every aspect of the process, the making in particular, but for me nothing compares to seeing everything come together and wearing it.
Perfect: What parts of yourself do you see reflected in your creations?
Paula Mihovilović: I would like to think that you can see my individuality and creativity within my work. I often present my work on myself over Instagram and I feel that this contributes to all of my garments looking like they're in their own world which I have generated. I have always loved voluminous dressmaking, millinery and accessorising in a way that still maintains a balance across the whole look and I feel as if this translates into my work.
Perfect: What does it mean to be an Alexander McQueen Sarabande scholar?
Paula Mihovilović: It is a real pleasure being a Sarabande scholar. Not only have they helped to support me financially but they have also allowed me to meet and learn from talented designers and creatives such as Kim Jones, Daniel Roseberry, Samuel Ross and many others. I am beyond honoured and thankful to be a McQueen scholar.
Perfect: What can we expect to see next from Paula Mihovilović?
Paula Mihovilović: I am currently working towards my final collection at Central Saint Martins, I am really looking forward to completing the collection and I can't wait for everyone to see it!
