Fashion Feature portraying the French showroom with young talents
K.OZ Lab is a new showroom that was launched in 2013 by Anouk Falevoz. SS14 marks thus the launch of the project that represents a pool of emerging brands with a cosmopolitan touch: Tsolo Munkh, fashion designer from Mongolia and laureate of the Hyères Festival 2010, Jean Colonna, who by keeping with his irreverent vision of fashion counts to the punkiest designer amongst French fashion designers and Göran Horal (shoes), Swedish designer duo that has been recently awarded their diploma from Central Saint Martins and Esmod.
Tsolmandakh Munkhuu from Mongolia finished her studies at Atelier Chardon Savard in 2009.The year after, she won the Public Award of the Hyères International Fashion and Photography Festival and launched her own brand. Now based in Oulan Bator, Tsolo Munkh presents her collections during Paris Fashion Week.
Her creative projects are still heavily influenced by the Mongolian steppes. However, even though some designs are inspired by Mongolian and Buddhist traditional elements, Tsolo Munkh does not hesitate to take ideas from around. Her creations combine embroidery, paintings, creasing of recovered materials and her use of ample volumes contrasts with the cuts’ fluidity.
For the S/S 14 season, Tsolo Munkh presents the collection "the Flight" honoring her native country. Inspired by the eagle, a bird you can’t miss seeing in Mongolia, all the garments imbue each creation with a particular meaning. The eagle’s plumage and majestic look is used as a reference to build the collection.
How would you describe the universe of K.OZ lab?
Anouk Falevoz: K.OZ lab it is primarily the last letters of my first and last name. like a code a chaos. I really like the idea of breaking, challenging and creativity too, associated to chaos. And lab, the laboratory… researche zone, of test, incubation. Break with my past experiences and traditional way of approaching this job. The creators that I represent have in common a very strong identity, a high quality product combined with a very specific expertise, close craft. And often a radical vision.It Begin by a meeting with a designer or an emotion from its work. I spent 10 years defending the greatest or fighting for the emergence of young talent on the international market Creator. I know very well this market and its buyers. The challenge today is to select, approach and value the talents that affect me but also to meet the level requirements and curiosity of buyers. It is a story of transmission ... and emotion.
How was your experience with Paris Fashion Week this season?
Anouk Falevoz: Excellent, really. It was only the first season K.OZ lab with three designers, two places, two art galleries. Places steeped in art at the heart of the Marais Strategically located . I am impressed by the commitment of buyers, their endless curiosity. We had the visit of the most beautiful shops of the famous cities in the world, those who have an important role as prescriber. Buyers who take risks precursors. This is very encouraging.
And then there is an energy and friendliness to gather for a few days only in a transitory place with very strong creative universe complementary to some, little known. Taking a risk that buyers appreciate.
Where did your buyers mainly come from?
Anouk Falevoz: I stand on a niche market abroad without favorite area. Buyers come from all the world….with great enthusiasm. Europe, Asia, Middle East, USA, Canada .... Milan, London, Berlin, New York, Athens, Kiev, Seoul, Hong Kong, Osaka, Montreal, Chicago, Los Angeles, Perth ..... Egypt itself. And from France also of course, even if the French are perhaps the most difficult to mobilize.
What are the next steps for K.OZ lab?
Anouk Falevoz: Stay alert, on the lookout for new talent, artists who touch me and I want to defend.Do not be deceived. This is only the beginning and it will take some time to be identified, recognized. But more than the reputation of the showroom, it is a good knowledge of the market, buyers and also expanded skills in communication, coordination and collection strategy that I bring to brands. A real support. It is a relationship begins. The story remains to be written. I wish I could still incorporate one or two creators pool enrich the overall proposal, connections and interference….but I'm in no hurry. My priority is to compose a pool of designers who arouses interest and sensitivity of buyers.
For further information, consult the mini-site of Tsolo Munkh on modemonline.com and the mini-site of K.OZ Lab on modemonline.
Interview by Cecilia Musmeci © Modemonline
