MODERN WORKING GIRL

At first glance, Natálie Nepovímová's looks seem simplistic and stripped to the bone. The second glance, though, reveals sartorial mastery and clever structural and textural twists. Imbued with a touch of whimsy, these “working girl” variable and adjustable designs were created to not succumb to time.

Let’s start at the beginning. What sparked your interest in fashion design?

It started in elementary school, where I discovered that designing dresses could actually be a job but the reality is far more distant than I dreamed. Yet, I still stick with it and try to keep going.

How would you say your designs have evolved since you graduated from the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague (UMPRUM)?

I would say they are more oriented towards the potential customer, they are not as artistic or conceptual, but more focused on the product and building brand identity. Of course, I try to follow certain principles that I’ve built up back at UMPRUM.

How do you balance the need for aesthetic flexibility with sustainable design principles in your collections?

Probably because most of my designs are variable, they can be worn in multiple ways or adjusted to fit your body shape. I also make custom designs, so they will last for years in your wardrobe and are statement pieces that don’t succumb to time. The materials I use are mostly deadstock or high quality and durable, will last for years and are not dependent on trends.

As you mentioned on Instagram about your latest collection, Forget-Me-Not, “keep your head in the game and your body in the cloud.” How does this duality manifest in the functionality and aesthetic of your pieces?

My pieces are playful, variable and full of contrasts. For example, the wrap skirts look like wide long pants from some angles but there is still a twist to the mini skirt. Apart from contrasts, the collection is full of patterns, colours and structures, so the title is a light pun and the whole collection is based more on the present moment and playfulness.

Looking ahead, what aspirations or goals do you have for your brand? Do you want to explore new themes or techniques in your future collections?

I would like to gradually build both a strong brand identity and develop it, as well as a customer base on a sustainable basis. I like to collaborate with other artists or designers so I would like to do some interesting collaborations. Of course, in each collection I push certain garment techniques further. Now, I emphasise working with detail and also colour or tie-dye, which I would like to continue.

At SWARM Mag, we are now focusing on the theme of SUGAR RUSH. Is there a particular candy that helps keep you energised while working?

It would probably be JOJO VEXTA candies or some dark chocolate with salted caramel or sea salt.

Did you like it?
Share it with your friends

Bio

Natálie Nepovímová is a fashion and footwear designer, based in Prague. Natálie is interested in new concepts of art, design, culture and ethics. Experimenting with the crossing of boundaries between fashion design and fine art, her work is narrative expression through dress/shoes for humans. She believes in sustainable, timeless design which possesses a multifunctional dimension and aesthetic flexibility. Important aspects of the designer’s work are local production, quality craftsmanship, a personal approach and thoughtful details. Thus, all products are created in a studio in Prague and piece by piece each tells its own story. 

Natalie took part in the Fashion and Footwear Design Studio (MA) of Libena Rochova at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, Czech Republic (UMPRUM). After graduation, she did her post-graduation internship and was a part of the Camper design team as a woman-only footwear designer.

Her graduation collection “Exuviae” was awarded by Designblok in the international diploma selection competition in 2021 and nominated for the Czech Grand Design Award in the fashion design category. The most recent collection “Oficina~Playa SS23” was nominated by the Czech Academy of Design for Czech Grand Design 2022 in the category of Fashion Designer of the Year.

Credits

Designer / Natálie Nepovímová @natalie_nepovim

https://natalienepovimova.com/About

Interview / Kateřina Hynková

Forget-Me-Not

photo / Viktorie Macánová

fashion / Natálie Nepovímová

Jewellery / Magdalena Šťastníková

models / Anna-Agáta Denzenová represented by Agents Model Management, Vi Tranová

agency / Agents Model Management

styling assistant / Johanka Zeťová

Oficina~Playa

photo / Veronika Čechmánková

fashion / Natálie Nepovímová

jewellery / Mileva Testas

model / Marie Boutet

Bisola

photo / Veronika Čechmánková

fashion / Natálie Nepovímová

jewellery / Ondřej Stára

model / Bisola Park

Installation photos

photo / Veronika Čechmánková

fashion / Natálie Nepovímová

jewellery / Mileva Testas

model / artist Sara Regal

You may also like

“I pull the symbolic scalp of their face. Then after modifications, I put it on”. Zbiok Czajkowski captures the shells and masks of people who were by chance caught in old photographs, and in his recent series “Scalps” he perfects his method with his mastery of airbrush. Read today’s interview to find out what lies beneath the surface.
Patrycia Pietka’s oil paintings dive into the intersections of spirituality, folklore, and female energy. Beyond her masterful form, the Polish artist, inspired by magical-realist and surrealist cinema, uses her works to capture the fleeting beauty of loved ones who passed away. Read today’s interview to learn about her process, inspirations and plans for the future.
Amy Dury turns vintage photography into contemporary art pieces. Taking inspiration from the troves of human archives both analogue and digital, the acclaimed British painter employs her signature bold contrasts to create works that balance a calming nostalgia with unsettling undertones. Read today’s extended interview to learn about Amy’s creative process, influences, and views on the art world!
Finnish designer Sofia llmonen crafts her garments with freedom in mind. Freedom to express, to play, freedom to dismantle and reassemble again. Her generous silhouettes with strong mediaeval and renaissance undertones feature elaborate fastening and lacing methods that allow for instant modification of the garment in the spirit of modularity sustainability. Explore her work brimming with possibilities.