a chat with ZORAN DOBRIC

With praise from Fashion Television’s Jeanne Becker, his work published in fashion magazines around the globe, and an inspired collection shown at Toronto Fashion Week (review here), designer Zoran Dobric is gaining a reputation for his unique designs. Dobric, who studied design at Milan’s fashion school Instituto Marangoni, and started his own collection in 2005, sat down for a brief chat on all things fashion

[On His Own Work]

When viewing Dobric’s previous collections, it’s hard not to notice an emphasis on prints and graphics in his clothing.

When asked which comes first (or which is more important to a design) he explains, “if I’m working with a particular print or graphic it’s not really separate. I keep both in mind”.

When asked about his influences, he casually shrugs “Usually my current feeling or expression”.

While his Fall/Winter 2010/11 collection was heavily influenced by the patterns and idealized faces of Art Neuveau, Dobric hinted that his upcoming Spring/Summer collection took inspiration from African and Art Deco prints.

“Because my last collection was more Euro-centric, I wanted to do something different. I like putting things together that you wouldn’t normally think would make sense”

[On Canadian Fashion]

It is clear that Dobric is fiercely supportive of other Canadian designers, and is aware how difficult it can be to establish oneself as a designer in Canada.

“I would say that we have talent – we have talented designers – but they’re not getting enough support from the media, from the stores.” In Dobric’s view, Canadian fashion has potential that is buried under inattention. “If someone could invest into them, they could become international”. Dobric, who was once a part-time professor at the Ryerson University School of Fashion, notes: “Even fashion students don’t know about Canadian designers. When you go to Italy it’s the #1 thing, but in Canada?” he shakes his head “Canadians should promote Canadian designers more”.

[On the Fashion Business]

When it comes to the runway, Dobric explains his pro and con: “[shows are] good for brand awareness, but not good for selling because it takes place late in the season”. When asked if he would consider opening his own store or boutique, Dobric pauses.

“I would prefer to focus on my work than focus on something that would sell”.

While he makes it clear that expansion is a goal of his, he also notes how difficult it is to split his time between the creative aspects of his designs and running a business. For the time being his expansion plans are focused on abroad

“It’s my constant mission to reach outside markets.”

[On Style]

Throughout the conversation Dobric made reference to the correlation between what we wear and our personalities. Even something as simple as jeans and a t-shirt have the power to say something about us.

“[Fashion is] something personal you need to express” he says, before explaining how this idea effects his consumers when viewing his work. “People need to be able to see themselves wearing the garment. It’s important that it becomes part of their lives”

Out of many famous designers, both past and present, Dobric cites Coco Chanel as being the most successful when it came to fashion and style.

“She was able to embody the spirit of the time. It’s about new and it’s about edginess and Chanel had that.”

In one off hand remark, Dobric manages to sum up his views on the industry, style and clothing: “Fashion is a weird thing, isn’t it? It’s a really weird thing.”