Meet Eduardo Perez Gonzalez Ocantos, the talented designer making his debut at this year's World Fashion Festival in Chicago. As the Fall session approaches, fashion enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the fresh lineup of designers set to showcase their creations. Among them is Eduardo, a director, painter, and designer hailing from Argentina, who brings a unique blend of artistry and craftsmanship to the runway.
One of the most anticipated aspects of Eduardo's collection is his collaboration with Sarah Jessy Jones's prints. Known for his colorful paintings in various textures and mediums, Eduardo incorporates his artistic vision into his handmade clothing, shoes, boots, and bags. Each piece is meticulously crafted with excellent quality, and Sarah Jessy Jones ensures that every detail, including the choice of materials, reflects Eduardo's geometric designs. With many years of experience, Sarah Jessy Jones's prints embody the fusion of art and design.
While Eduardo studied Business Administration and Creative Industries at Cambridge, his true passion lies in using art and culture as tools for social and cultural transformation. Throughout his career, he has acted as a cultural bridge between Latin America and Europe, showcasing his work in numerous Fashion Weeks, including Milan, Malta, Romania, Serbia, Paris, and Los Angeles. His presentations and exhibitions have left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
As a visionary in his province, Eduardo has dedicated himself to uncovering and celebrating new artisans and talents, contributing to the revitalization of regional economies. His contagious enthusiasm stems from his belief that the shattered norms and values of the past have set the stage for transformative changes essential for the well-being of our planet and ourselves. He firmly advocates for sustainability, organic practices, and genuine craftsmanship, envisioning a future where authenticity and harmony with nature take precedence. According to Eduardo, it is time to prioritize what truly matters and embrace a society guided by these principles.
Eduardo's journey serves as an inspiring reminder that supporting local talent and embracing conscious living can pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future. By prioritizing art, culture, and craftsmanship, we have the power to ignite positive change and make a lasting impact on our society.
As the World Fashion Festival prepares to welcome Eduardo Perez Gonzalez Ocantos for the first time, fashion enthusiasts can expect a collection that transcends traditional boundaries and embraces the harmonious fusion of art and design. Through his vibrant colors, intricate textures, and dedication to sustainability, Eduardo challenges us to redefine our relationship with fashion and prioritize values that promote a more conscious and compassionate world.
So mark your calendars, as the debut of Eduardo Perez Gonzalez Ocantos promises to be a highlight of this year's World Fashion Festival. Get ready to witness the marriage of creativity and craftsmanship, and join in celebrating a designer who is not only passionate about his art but also committed to making a positive impact on our society and the planet we call home.
During the recent Spring session this year, I had the opportunity to connect with the extraordinary designer, and I'm thrilled to share the insights gained from our interview.
OLM: What inspired you to pursue a career in art and fashion design, and how did you get started in the industry?
EPGO: What inspires me has to do with my daily life, my dreams, my fantasies, and my moods. Sometimes I manage to sublimate this sensitivity into colors, objects, writing, drawings, stains, textures, and images. I didn't originally plan to be in the design industry; my background is in fine arts and film. Once I started translating my artwork into objects and garments, the industry opened its doors to me, and a loving romance began.
OLM: Your work is often described as avant-garde and unconventional. How do you come up with your designs, and what is your creative process like?
EPGO: I don't have a routine for working creatively. I do it in my studio in Central Park, Barracas, Buenos Aires, but at the same time, ideas come to me while I'm in the countryside in Goya, Corrientes, during a carnival night, or even during a layover while waiting to fly to a new destination.
My creative processes often depend on technological possibilities as well, depending on the objects I want to create and how to transfer my artistic work to that medium. Sustainability in garment creation also plays a role in my creative process. Creative processes are incredible experiences because we can allow ourselves to play and even commit "crimes" without the risk of punishment or penalty.
OLM: You have presented your collections and exhibited your work in various countries around the world. What has been the most memorable presentation, exhibition, or project for you, and why?
EPGO: I have had the opportunity to showcase my work at Malta, Italy, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Spain, France, Sweden, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina Fashion Weeks, among others. It would be impossible to highlight just one specific place, country, or presentation.
I believe in the magic of Romania, the beauty of Malta, and the energy of Paris Fashion Week's official calendar. However, I also can't forget about my presentation at the "Quebrada de las Conchas" in Cafayate, Salta, where I dressed wise elderly women in those colorful valleys. Another memorable moment was when my Spanish friend, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, invited me to do a presentation at her store in Madrid during Madrid es Moda in 2019. But ultimately, the most important project for me is always the one that is coming, constantly pushing me forward.
OLM: Your designs often incorporate bold colors and intricate patterns. What inspires your use of color and patterns, and how do you choose which colors and patterns to incorporate into your designs?
EPGO: Colors flow when I face the canvas. Imagination is connected to our moods and experiences and what we are capable of creating with it. I've had moments of working with black-and-white palettes as well. However, my greatest enthusiasm arises when I achieve intense and vibrant colors that burst with energy.
OLM: How do you see the fashion industry evolving in the future, and how do you envision your brand adapting to those changes?
EPGO: I see the industry becoming increasingly vulnerable, especially as it recovers from the pandemic. I believe, think, or dream of a sustainable future, where garments are made with noble materials, organic fabrics, and natural dyes, and where the harmony of the planet is preserved.
I envision a future that revalues even ancestral materials and explores the blending of technology with age-old crafts passed down by our ancestors, utilizing technological knowledge and ancestral wisdom. In adapting to these changes, my brand aims to embrace sustainability, prioritize ethical practices, and find innovative ways to combine tradition and technology.
OLM: What message do you hope to convey through your designs, and how do you hope to impact the fashion industry?
EPGO: I don't aim to deliver a specific message with my garments; instead, I seek to narrate a way of life. It is a sustained body of work expressed over an extended period.
Through my designs, I hope to inspire others to embrace their creativity, express themselves authentically, and appreciate the value of artistic expression in fashion. I intend to make a lasting impact on the fashion industry by fostering a deeper appreciation for individuality, craftsmanship, and the longevity of artistic endeavors.
OLM: Your pieces are often intricate and detailed, and it is evident that a lot of work and craftsmanship goes into each creation. Can you talk about your approach to craftsmanship and the importance of attention to detail in your work?
EPGO: In my case, I work on small collections of unique garments, which allows for meticulous handcrafted work. When using strong colors and abstract shapes, there is no room for error in the cutting, pattern-making, and sewing processes.
Therefore, attention to detail is of utmost importance to ensure the precision and quality of each piece. I believe that craftsmanship is a fundamental aspect of my work, as it not only adds value and uniqueness to the garments but also showcases the dedication and skill that goes into their creation. Every detail, whether it's a delicate stitch or a carefully placed embellishment, contributes to the overall aesthetic and story of the design.
OLM: Your work has been recognized with several awards and honors. How has this recognition affected your artistic journey, and what advice would you give to aspiring artists and fashion designers?
EPGO: I don't believe that awards serve as a significant source of inspiration. While they can be uplifting for the soul, the next day, you have to start anew as if none of it happened. I don't like giving advice, especially to young individuals who come with their ideas, dreams, and aspirations. I would simply tell them to educate themselves, study, work hard, and never grant too much power to the words of others.
OLM: What upcoming projects are you working on, and what can we expect to see from you in the near future?
EPGO: I am currently working on several projects. I am delving back into the world of cinema and writing. Additionally, I am creating new artwork for a sustainable collection that prioritizes the versatility of the garment above all else. You can expect to see pieces that can be worn in various settings, such as cocktail parties, beach outings, streetwear, or evening events.
OLM: What advice would you give to young designers and artists who are just starting in the industry?
EPGO: I don't like giving advice. I would suggest they focus on their education, studies, and work. They should find mentors or teachers they admire to learn from. They should follow their creative impulses, listen to their hearts, and not rely too heavily on the opinions they receive from critics or curators. They should not adhere to any set patterns but rather create their own.
OLM: Finally, what is your vision for the future of art and fashion, and how do you see your work fitting into that vision?
EPGO: Art is a means of exploring potential, among other things. I would like to continue creating and being able to communicate. I believe that the future is now.
In art, what is important to me is to explore ideas, create, and communicate. As long as those things happen, the future is being built. My work fits into this vision by continuously pushing boundaries, exploring new concepts, and communicating my artistic expression through fashion. I strive to contribute to the evolution and innovation of art and fashion, embracing the possibilities that the future holds.