Unique Client
by UMPRUM Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague
- Students of the Studio of Fashion and Footwear Design: Aleš Hnátek, Tereza Chytilová, Valerie Jurčíková, Barbora Kotěšovcová, Kristýna Lovasová, Yuval de Picciotto, Natálie Pospišilíková, Magdalena Rajnohová, Anna Ryšánková, Júlia Sadloňová, Jan Smejkal, Hana Valtová, Jaroslav Vích, Valerie Vrbová
- Students of the Studio of Photography II: Jakub Delibalta, Lukáš Hlavín, Alžběta Chrudimská, Ondřej Kubeš, Jurii Ladutko, Viktorie Macánová, Samuel Petráš, Kateřina Sýsová, Miriam Pružincová, Adéla Zlámalová, Barbora Žentelová
- Website: www.umprum.cz
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.
A leading art and design academy internationally recognized among Europe’s prestigious institutions, UMPRUM was founded in 1885 on Semper’s principles. It thrived during the First Czechoslovak Republic and endured the harsh communist regime. Around 500 students across 28 studios are guided individually to develop creativity, independence, and social responsibility.
