IVANA KUNDAI KAPURURA
Garments
My life philosophy is that creativity is a catalyst for social change. I have always felt that creativity in fashion specifically, is very special. I grew up seeing and understanding the cultural significance and meaning of garments. Because of this, I gravitated toward making garments of my own and using it as a way to voice social issues in order to promote change.
[AMERICAN GARAGE]
S / S 24 Collection
American Garage is a concept that I created, which emphasizes the idea of escaping traditional ideas, while using these very ideas as a vehicle to finding freedom from conventions. My collection [DENIM TOPS FOR WOMEN], created through my brand VANA Denim, is an alternative expression of American Garage. Although denim is a material that traditionally has a classic feel to it, I have chosen to recontextualize what is seen as traditional or conventional with the material. Each top in the collection is created using just one pair of secondhand denim jeans, with the hope to highlight the evolution and spectrum of the modern woman. I desire to show that women can be multifaceted and free from conventions.
[DENIM 1] explores the style of a more masculine and juvenile woman. This garment takes inspiration from streetwear and oversized clothing.
[DENIM 2] explores the style of a more free-spirited and creative woman. This garment takes inspiration from contemporary art and club wear.
[DENIM 3] explores the style of a more refined and seasoned woman.
This garment takes inspiration from Californian beach wear.
The Power of Opposites
F / W 22 Collection
a small collection highlighting duality and contrast with the use of reclaimed and up-cycled materials
The Vest
Process
F / W 22
The Scarf
The Skirt
The Sketches
VANA Denim by Ivana Kundai
VANA Denim is my denim brand dedicated to upcycling 1 of 1 Levi's jeans. The brand earned venture capital funding through the Oregon Innovation Challenge in the Spring of 2023.
1 of 1 Looks
via @vanadenim
Process
All of my designs are done by hand. There are a variety of methods that I use to create including sewing, accessorizing, patchwork, and more.
Ideation
Many of my design start with pulling inspiration, sketching, and ideating on designs. This is where I start before the hands-on part of the process.
