Interview with Fernanda Bueno
Designer Interview
21 May 2017
Ever since I was a little girl, I was always passionate about all kinds of art and I somehow always knew that I would follow that path. For a long time, I didn't know what I would do, so I tried completely different things such as Law school and then discovered art again in interior design. During the Interior Design course, I had contact with other areas of design and fell in love with fashion.
It was Kilt Cult, my first collection, and its success what made me decide to start my own brand, FEMMAN. It shares the collection's values and the values that I want to communication in all my future work: freedom of thought and expression, diversity and fun.
I believe the meaning of design is too complex for me to try to explain it in a short answer. But to put it simply, it is a way to communicate certain values and ideas through products. Much more than the visual aspects of a product, design is what those visual elements say to the product's consumers.
My area is fashion design, but I don't think I have a favorite type of work within that field.
I honestly like everything I design (otherwise I wouldn't go through the trouble), but I can point out two special designs: the first the the collection which was awarded in this competition and the other one is the first thing I created as a fashion designer.
All of my works were designed for my own brand.
I rather working with leather, even if only as a detail. But anything which strikes my fancy at the time, really!
Usually in the middle of the night, when everybody else is sleeping, or after meditating. Since the atmosphere is peaceful at these times, that's when I manage to transform everything I saw along the day or my life into ideas.
I always try to put something fun or different into my designs. As a personal touch, I always try to add a texture to my works.
I like to say that I only design what I love, because I have to be completely satisfied with what I do. A funny thing is that I always dream about my works - if that doesn't happen, it means something's wrong with it.
Fascination!
That depends on the designer. Are they happy with what they created? Did they manage to communicate the message they intended to through the design?
The first thing I consider is the concept of the design. If it's compatible with the product, that's usually a great start!
A designer is usually someone with a deeper view of things, so I believe every designer should be able to introduce alternative solutions to society's problems. It's all about breaking the rules and disregarding what's already out there!
Maybe the answer is "design is the future". Design is everywhere and this is becoming increasingly evident not just to designers, but to everyone. I believe people will start caring more and more about design over time.
My last exhibition was last year, at Oscar Niemeyer Museum in Curitiba, Brazil. The next one will be a fashion show in Milan, Italy, in June.
Perhaps my greatest inspiration is the diversity of people, but I believe anything can be inspiring. As long as I have a peaceful moment, I feel I'm able to create. This usually means having a good night's sleep or being in touch with nature, for example.
I'd describe it as contemporary. I explore this style because I like to discuss current themes through my works, even social themes, more often than not.
I live in Brazil and its cultural heritage absolutely affects my designs. At the very least because it's the first place which will see my works.
My work as a fashion designers was only done for my own brand, but I have worked for companies in the fashion business in the past, in different capacities. It works very well - there's always a lot to learn.
Before thinking about the designer, I believe it's important to think about the person behind the profession. It's important to understand their values and what they are willing to do for the company and for society.
I'm not sure if I can say I have a specific process. I believe inspiration is important and what I usually do is look for ways to trigger that inspiration. Often I have a good idea of the concept that I intend to develop and I will do research on the internet for videos, images and texts which will get me there.
1. AirFryer. 2. My backpack (my own design). 3. Samsonite suitcase. 4. Foot-massaging cushion. 5. Imaginarium pink radio.
A day in the Fall. Cold, but not too cold. Windy. Leaves flying by. Cloudy, but with just a little sun. In April, because that's when Fall happens in my country and also that the month of my birthday.
Be curious.
Honestly, I see no negatives at all. I love what I do and that is enough. Unfortunately, in my country, often it's still not regarded as a serious profession.
That's a tough one! I guess I would say trust in your capability.
Perhaps the most important skill of all is creativity, you can't be a designer if you don't have it. As for everything else, it can be developed.
Often books and magazines, the internet (great for research), textile labs and fabric stores. As for software, I often use CorelDraw.
Since I work for myself, any time is fine by me. If I wake up in the middle of the night in the idea, that's when it's going to happen.
It usually takes time. From the very beginning to the very end, probably a couple of months at least. I like to be thorough.
"Is that a hobby?"
When I had to present a collection of a famous Brazilian designer during his exhibition.
Anyone, really! Since I'm a fashion designer and the whole concept of my work is that anyone can wear it regardless of personal characteristics, I feel it's accessible to everyone.
Those which have some sort of social relevance, because then I feel that I'm doing something to help society.
The next big thing on my schedule is a fashion show in Milan as a finalist for Mittelmoda Fashion Award. That going to happen in June. Aside from that, I intend to work to get me brand well established and well known.
Everything I created to date I designed myself, but I'm interested in working with teams for specific projects in the future.
I'm currently doing research for my next collection, but I prefer to keep it a secret for now! I'll post more info on facebook as soon as possible.
Either through my facebook or e-mail: fernandabuenodesign@gmail.com
I guess I can say that it wasn't an easy decision for me to become a designer, because there's still some prejudice surround this profession in my country and even in my family. I'm incredibly happy to have followed my heart and to be doing what I love. Today my family recognizes that I'm doing what I was born to do.