While on assignment in Berlin, Bass was so taken with the culture, art and fashion of the city that following year she made the move from Brooklyn to Berlin, to further develop her creativity and design perspective. "My time in Berlin has given me this incredible mix of freedom and focus." says Bassm "I'm able to design from my authentic self."

------- JULIANNA BASS INTERVIEW -------

1. Latest collection has some items with beautifully coloured painting. Could you explain inspiration about those printed painting?  

For Autumn/Winter 2016, I drew inspiration from the work of German artist Peer Kriesel, turning his miniature scrap-paper paintings into vibrant prints. His paintings encompass the spectrum of human emotion and the contradistinction of humanity’s togetherness with the anxiousness of modern existence, and I brought that juxtaposition of vintage and modern, fluid and structured to my designs, as well as harvesting the color palette and prints directly from the works I chose. 

2. How do you describe your style by words?

I would describe the style of my brand as elegant yet effortless. I strive to produce timeless luxury pieces for the modern woman. 

3. Do you have specific icons or characters for your collection?

Muses and inspiration change with each season, but style icons such as Solange Knowles, Chloe Sevigny, Grace Jones, and Alexa Chung are but a few women that the brand is extremely fond of. 

4. Materials and shapes, which is more important or interesting for you?

Shapes definitely take precedent. While fabrications and color schemes are of equal importance, I always begin the design process with an overall silhouette. For me personally, the garment must take shape first before it can evolve further.

5. You moved from New York to Berlin. How culture there affected your design or lifestyle?

I moved to Berlin for inspiration and personal artistic growth, and that prodigiously creative city far surpassed my wildest expectations. In Berlin you find yourself surrounded and continuously inspired by phenomenal unassuming artists who are not easily affected by the expectations of society. Berlin represents artistic freedom, and time spent there is invaluable to me creatively. 

6. As a fashion designer, which moment is happiest time for you?

I am happiest when I see my vision come to fruition, but I enjoy being immersed in the process more than standing back to admire the final result. Sketching, fabricating, vintage research….this is where I find the most joy. 

7. Please tell what you challenged for latest collection.

I was inspired by the work of Berlin-based abstract photographer Blaz Kutin. He takes obscure photos around the city and manages to transform the reality of the image, usually something eroded or destroyed, into an image that is quite lustrous and surreal, yet still raw. In the latest collection we have taken one of his works and created our signature Spring/Summer 2017 print. However, creating fabric prints from original fine art is not always an easy task. This print in particular has been a challenge, but the end result is spectacular and has been well worth the effort! 

8. In near future, do you have news or upcoming project with your brand?

We will be showing the Spring/Summer 2017 collection in New York Fashion Week in September and then continue on to market in Paris. Collaborations with Berlin based artists will be an ongoing occurrence, and a tech/fashion fusion project is also on the horizon. 

9. What is your ultimate goal?

My ultimate goal as a designer is to create a strong fashion brand that speaks to women on an emotional level and empowers them to feel strong and beautiful in their own right….inspiring individualism and confidence along the way. 

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INTERVIEWED & WRITTEN BY AYAMI OKURA

PHOTO CREDIT: REP PR