Unique Client

Unique Client, i.e. "unique or extraordinary customer", was the name of the assignment for the students of the Studio of Fashion and Footwear Design at UMPRUM, The Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, during the summer semester of 2020/2021. These UMPRUM students worked on the project under the guidance of visiting costume designer Simona Rybáková and Assistant of the Studio Vojtěch Novotný. The main inspiration for the semester’s assignment was Simona's previous encounter with a high school graduation candidate named Marek, whose physical constitution differs from that of the majority of his peers. Because ready-to-wear fashion conforms to "standard" physical proportions, it was extremely difficult for Marek to find a suit in which he could attend the senior prom that would not be noticeably different from the clothes of his classmates.

Through in-depth consultation with Marek, the UMPRUM students designed a collection of clothes for various occasions that today form most of his custom wardrobe. However, this endeavor did not rest with Marek: In the next phase, the burgeoning designers had the task of assisting other clients with "non-ready-to-wear" attributes, specific needs, wishes and aspirations. The unique proportions and qualities of the physiques of some of these clients were caused by congenital predispositions, serious illness or injury. In terms of their humanity, though, the "atypicality" of their clothing preferences also emanates from their individualism, self-identity and lifestyle.

The cooperation of the students of the Studio of Photography II was an important part of the project, as well. Under the leadership of Václav Jirásek and Štěpánka Stein, they recorded and photographed the entire process with care and skill.