THE NEW BASICS
No one can deny that every stylish look revolves around the right basics. Gaffer & Fluf Athens-based designer Katerina Vamvaka creates clothes with clean, minimal lines that combine both functionality and transformability in the most original way; this is no coincidence, since she credits film, MPVs, Lego and architecture among the various sources of her inspiration. We caught up with her to discuss her background, her approach towards womenswear and her future plans.
What made you decide to start your own line?
Working as a costume designer, I used to spend much time sourcing new ideas and clothes. I realized then that there was a gap between fashionable clothes that were easy to find and simple clothes with character that were hard to discover. This was the main reason that lead me to create my own clothes: to satisfy myself as a customer providing easy-going clothes that I, most of all people, would really like to wear.
Could you elaborate on the story behind your brand name?
Well, gaffer actually refers to gaffer tape, a strong, tough, cotton cloth pressure-sensitive tape that used to be my second skin while I was working in theater, films, television productions, as well as during live performances and other projects that I was involved with. On the other end, there is something soft and fluffy; that’s where fluf comes from! And, of course, opposites attract!
How has your background in costume design influenced your current work?
Because of my background, I know the female body pretty well. I prefer simple forms that embrace the body and express inner beauty. I usually design simple clothes with a twist; clothes that cover up body imperfections and reveal the personality of the woman who wears them.
Your approach to color is pretty basic. Why is that?
I believe in female power and I’d rather admire the woman rather than my garment. Colors often tend to draw all the attention with their intensity, “blurring” the image of the woman who wears them. I am on the woman’s side: my purpose is to reveal a great woman rather than covering her behind a flashy creation.
You’ve recently started a menswear collection. Could you tell us a bit about that?
The menswear line is the result of my collaboration with my husband, Kostas Patzias. Kostas works as an Art Director and is a very creative person. We have always wanted to create something together. So we thought “why not give men the opportunity to be well-dressed in a simple way yet with an attitude?” After all, our male friends were requesting clothes for themselves. And we came to launch our first menswear collection in Summer 2014.
Tell us the one thing you want people who wear your clothes to feel.
I want them to feel comfortable; to feel unique and, above all, to feel human.
Who would you say is your ideal customer?
Women who wear our clothes are definitely unconventional. They don’t follow trends and fashion in a commercial way. They are anti-fashionable instead. They are feminine and sexy without having to show off.
Apart from Greece, your collections are available in a variety of places around the world. If you could choose one to move your company, where would that be and why?
I cannot imagine myself, my family and my business anywhere else in the world than Greece. For me, Greece with its wonderful sun and weather is the best place to live. I also like Greek people’s mentality. So, I will continue to live and work happily here, selling my products all over the world and visiting as many places I can as a tourist.
How do you see your company in ten years time?
Ten years is a pretty long time, huh? I am very passionate with what I am doing right now, jumping from one idea and project to another. Of course, I am always thinking about how I will develop what I am doing, but there is no need to discuss it now. What we are actually living now is what counts the most!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy life!
Images courtesy of Gaffer & Fluf
Read more about the brand and shop online at gafferandfluf.com.
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