Fashion seen as a form of art and incessant search of amazement. Dimitar‘s sculpture dresses distinguish themselves for clean cuts, great volumes and innovative, unusual materials. The silhouettes are redesigned through forms, colours, and fabrics mixed to experimentations and meticulous attention to detail.
Born in Bulgaria and grown up in Morciano di Romagna, since his early childhood Dimitar shows interest in all that is bizarre and uncommon. Against all conventions in the fashion system, his stylistic approach is definitely provocative and reflects his sensation-seeking personality: determined, curious, whimsical and ingenious. He hardly ever misses his goal when it comes to astonishing those who observe his works.
Dimitar’s sources of inspiration vary as much as his original and transversal approach that transpires in his creations: the 1700s, H. R. Giger, Sorelle Fontana, Alexander Mc Queen.
His first true creation “Dark in Love” is presented as a final exam project at Polimoda Firenze in 2015. Antithetical, with diametrically opposing inspirations and cultures, the collection draws inspiration from African statues and fetish, united to a dark, transgressive look. And this is where the border between art and fashion becomes subtle: during the project presentation the models’ faces are intentionally covered by black cloths and the collection is entirely made of paper. The passion for paper sparks after a trip to Japan where he learns the art of origami.
In 2006 Dimitar is published on Vogue Talents, after participating at the WNFL creative hub dedicated to emerging creatives during Milan Fashion Week. We met during that occasion, after which Dimitar won several contests on TV too. Curious to know all his news, we have a chat on the phone one afternoon while he’s strolling in his hometown.
WHY
why and how did you end up in your career path?
This passion began when I was 10 years old and one of my mother’s friends gave me ‘Gira La Moda’ ( Ed: an Italian game to make fashion creations ). Since then my interest grew more and more and I studied Fashion Design in high school and then attended Polimoda in Florence. My aim was to change the evolution of fashion and marketing to go back to the creation of unique pieces. When I was a child my mother always used to tell me off because I would cut up her aprons to reassemble them into shirts and skirts that I would then colour or dye. I still remember a particular episode in which she got mad for a beautiful blue Enrico Coveri apron. I feel as though until two years ago my work has always been misunderstood. Now I’ve started to be acknowledged.
WHO
how would you describe yourself in a few words?
I identify a lot in Alexander McQueen’s concept. Strong, determined and capable of transferring emotions to people through my creations. Otherwise it doesn’t make sense.
WHAT
what is your source of inspiration?
Alexander McQueen and Thierry Mugler have been of great inspiration to me. To keep going and sticking to my choice, in particular during the critical moments of my life: a difficult childhood, living in a small town. You won’t believe it but when I was younger my father wanted me to be a lawyer! Today he is happy about where I’m at and he supports me.
WHERE
where do you go to when you need a break?
My favourite place is my hometown: Morciano di Romagna
WHEN
when and what will your next steps be?
The next step will be to present a whole saleable collection in Milan. I have bought all the domains to sell not only in Italy but in the rest of world: Japan, Russia, Germany, China, New York. I want to reach out to that determined woman who knows what she wants without being vulgar, everywhere in the world.
**WILDCARD
I know you’re attracted to weird bizarre things. What is the weirdest and most bizarre thing you’re attracted to?
Women who have reached a certain age and who realize they have reached a sort of end of the tether. I remember in Florence I used to have fun watching these women go to the theater wearing fur coats, haute designer clothes and all the jewellery they could possibly wear. I see there is a desire to return young and I imagine, who knows, that maybe they have a sort of hidden angst towards life because maybe they haven’t lived it to the maximum. They seem to appear different than who they really are and I get the feeling they wear unhappiness and resentment because they could have lived differently.