Aleksandar Gavrić is a Serbian menswear designer who focuses on dynamic sportswear that can be easily worn in many casual contexts. Today, the trend of being both sporty and ready for different activities is very powerful, so we wanted to gain more insight into it, as well as into Aleksandar’s passions and background.
Discover our interview with him, which was first published in the autumn 2017 edition of InCompany by Attire Club.
How did you start your career as a designer? Did you choose this line or work or did it choose you?
Aleksandar Gavrić: My career begun pretty unexpectedly and accidentally. I’ve been interested in fashion since I was a boy. I remember when I was in first grade, everyone from my class was dressed by their moms, while I was cutting different shaped holes in my t-shirts and stained my jeans with acrylic colors. Everybody looked at me and probably thought I was crazy or something, but it turned out I somehow predicted last year’s trends all the way in 2007 right? Jokes aside, I always aspired towards having a unique style and I think that is one of the major characteristics of a fashion designer. However, I still think that this work choose me! Even though I always loved fashion, I never thought or hoped that I would become a fashion designer. It just happened. I saw one interesting fashion show at Serbia Fashion Week in April 2014 which inspired me to create my own line and that’s how it all started.
Who are your favorite designers and why?
AG: Uh, to be honest, it is pretty hard for me to pick just a couple of designers whose work I like and appreciate, there are just so many talented and in some way genius people in the fashion world. However, if I have to pick, I will say I really like the work of Alexander Wang and Yoshi Yamamoto. Their creations are true examples of minimalism – every single piece is perfectly designed in a way to show that “less really is more”. Also, both of them use quite a lot of black and white, which are my two favorite colors.
What are your signature design elements?
AG: I think that every designer has to have something that makes him stand out – which can be called his personal stamp. Think about it – when you see a garment that is all over the place with a bunch of golden details – it doesn’t take long for you to realize that is probably Versace. If you see a black dress with geometrical cuts and patterns you will instantly think of Alexander Wang, etc. When it comes to me, I use exclusively the colors black, white and gray – nothing more, nothing less. I use a lot of cotton, mesh, nylon, and rustle for my garments. Also, I like to add some signature details of mine such as hidden embroiled AG logo. This has brought me a lot of trouble actually because a lot of my clothing samples got lost in the SFW (Serbia Fashion Week) backstage because they didn’t have any tags. However, they were found really quickly because people recognize my work with ease (laugh).
Who is your audience? Who are the men you design for?
AG: My audience is young people, they are the ones who support me the most and understand my work and my expression the best. It is probably because we belong to the same generation and the age difference is not that big. However, even though my lines are urban and seem young people oriented, they are actually meant for everyone – men, women, old, young, happy and sad. Anyone who can see themselves reflected in my work is more than welcome to join the Aleksandar Gavrić army (laugh).
What do you think will be the next big trend in menswear?
AG: Now, this is a tough one that really had me thinking. The truth is, there is no way to predict anything, especially fashion trends and statements in the 21st century. Why? Because everything changes incredibly fast. One day something is a huge hit, tomorrow nobody even remembers it. This is why I think it is practically impossible to predict big trends, which is pretty fun if you ask me – you never know what to expect. I just love surprises!
What are you currently obsessed with, fashion- and otherwise?
AG: Currently, I am obsessed with oversized garments – they have always been and always will be a huge trend. Besides this, I am also a huge fan of ripped and stained or printed garments – those are the details that transform one piece of clothing into a piece of art.
See more of Aleksandar’s designs at aleksandargavric.com
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! What do you think of Aleksandar’s designs? In which direction do you think is menswear going? Why? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!