“My life philosophy could be summed up in Madonna’s line “express yourself”. Zoran Aragovic
Noblivity Spotlights Emerging Designer Zoran Aragovic
Company/Designer Name: BiteMyStyle / Zoran Aragovic
Designer Background Summary:
I was born on September 29, 1981 in Virovitica, Croatia. After finishing secondary education I spent some time “unsuccessfully” studying Law and Tourist Management. I have always felt passionate about clothes and fashion so I decided to make a career in fashion design.
Whilst attending Profokus-school of Fashion Design I was recognized by many (including a number of Croatian celebrities) as the bright young talent of Croatian fashion. The interest resulted in numerous shoots for magazines and endless TV promotion that established me as the most sought after upcoming designer and fashion stylist in the capitol.
My collections are shown at Zagreb Fashion Week, Fashion Incubator Osijek, London Alternative Fashion Week, Budapest Fashion Week, Tuzla Fashion Week, and I was the winner of The Fashion Happening in Croatian town of Vinkovci for my interpretation of traditional ethno Croatian dress into a modern style design.
How did you get started?
After an attempt at studying Law and Management, I enrolled in the Profokus Fashion College. I soon acquired my first sewing machine and this is how my fashion story started.
What inspires your designs?
All that I see around me. When a person has the creative gift even seemingly meaningless or common details can provide inspiration. I belong to the MTV generation so I am often inspired by music.
How would you describe your design style, design signatures and who is your targeted customer?
My design is characterized by colours and patterns. I love to combine different fabrics, patterns and textures with characteristic details. Cuts are simple and functional. My clients come from different age groups although the majority are young people who wish to stand out from the crowd and dare to experiment with fashion.
What designers inspire you?
I love colourful designers who pay particular attention to details such Galliano, Lacroix and McQueen. I also admire Japanese designers with their phenomenal clarity of shapes and constructions.
What obstacles did you have to overcome?
Mainly they were financial problems – it has been very difficult to find sponsors as a fledgling designer, particularly in the current global economic climate. I am hoping, however, that finances will improve as the BMS name and image are better established. My goal is to promote my brand so that it grows and spreads.
How did you overcome them?
I persist in building my career step by step. I believe that if you are persistent and really passionate about what you do then the business will develop gradually.
What has been your greatest moment on your journey so far?
My first fashion shows were very important for me as that is where I got to know the whole backstage process of creating a show along with experiencing the rush and adrenalin of putting on my own fashion show. I also have fond memories of the first publications of my work in newspapers and magazines. My most recent favorite moment was the victory on Zagreb Fashion Week with Freak The Chic s/s 2010 where my collection was declared the best by the panel of fashion experts.
What has been the biggest change in your designs so far?
When I look back on my first creations and compare them with what I do now, it is clear to me how much progress I have made. My fashion signature now possesses that quality and maturity a brand needs to flourish on a demanding market.
If money were no object what would you do right now? I would show my collection on Paris Fashion Week, of course.
What are the best and worst things about being a designer?
The best part is to be able to use your creative talent, to be surrounded with interesting and extraordinary people and to live a dynamic life. I haven’t yet experienced anything negative, expect not being able to realize some of my ideas due to lack of finances.
Describe your typical day?
My typical working day is filled with fashion shoots and work in my studio where I design and make my clothes. I take each piece all the way from the idea through the design to final cutting and sewing myself. This takes up a lot of my time, but I enjoy doing it. I save my weekends for my family and loved ones.
What’s your philosophy of life?
My life philosophy could be summed up in Madonna’s line “express yourself”. We all need to realize our potential doing what we love and enjoy.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I might go study abroad – in London or Paris. There are more opportunities outside Croatia and easier to find good business contacts. But I have no regrets as every situation has its ups and downs.
When will you know you have made it?
My aim is to further establish and spread my brand BMS. I can’t say what my very best would look like yet – creativity keeps pushing me forward and right now there are no limits to what I can achieve.
