Shabnam Eslambolchi

BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear

‘The Plateau’ is a contemporary narrative of the history of Persia. This collection is a modern interpretation of Persian nation by juxtaposing different elements, combining both ancient and modern Persian art, history, costume and architecture within contemporary looks, in an attempt to highlight the cultural realities about this nation. The initial inspiration behind this collection was the surreal reflection of history in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s masterpiece ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ which provided me with the idea of applying the communicative role of clothing to present cultural realities about Persia through rediscovery of the various historical eras. Expressive silhouettes, attention to details and use of crafts due to my Persian origin as well as my admiration for exclusivity of high design are highlights of my work. The sculptural shapes of the sleeves and bodices as well as the voluminous skirts are mainly inspired by the statues from ancient Persia and the women’s clothing from two of the most important royal dynasties in Iran. The curves are inspired by Persian architecture. Use of the colour blue in a variety of tones (aqua blue, Persian blue and turquoise), hues and textures reflects the divinity and importance of this colour in Persian culture. White-crème is the main colour used by ancient Persians and reflects the serenity and peacefulness of this nation. Also, use of rich ochre yellow presents the gold yellow which has always been used by the royals in the history of Persia (Iran), also is a symbol of fire as a divine element among the Persians. Bespoke jacquard fabrics used in this collection which are inspired by Persian motifs, emphasises on the historical roots of weaving among the Persians. Education: BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology/ womenswear, London College of Fashion Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, London College of Fashion Msc. Natural Resources Engineering, University of Tehran Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring and Creative Pattern Cutting, Iranian Fashion and Textile Designers Association Work experience: Hussein Chalayan : Design assistant Viktor & Rolf: Design assistant Erdem: Sample room assistant Danielle Scutt: Design assistant Achievements: Finalist for 'Diversity Now' competition (2013) Shortlisted for 'Nina De York' illustration competition (2013) Selected for BFC graduates' portfolio review (2013) Collection 'Flux' presented at Fashion Festival, Victoria and Albert Museum, London (2012) Shortlisted for 'Chloé' Competition (2012) Collection 'Matter and Mind' selected to be published in the book 'New Fashion Designers Sketchbooks' by Zarida Zaman published by A & C Black (2012) Press: http://i-donline.com/2013/04/diversity-now-the-finalist-cut/ http://blog.artsthread.com/2013/05/diversity-finalists-fashion-design/ http://blog.trendstop.com/2013/05/gfw-ones-to-watch-shabnam-eslambolchi/ http://www.own-label.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115:interview-with-diversity-finalist-shabnam-eslambolchi&catid=3:news&Itemid=17 http://issuu.com/london_college_of_fashion/docs/sdt-annual-2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj1fm39ha-o