Since winning the national (Croatia) YCC 2008 competition for fashion and taking third place in the pan-European YCC finals, Neven Mihić has been busy. Or maybe it’s fairer to say he has been even more productive, if that’s possible. But when Chevrolet recently asked the sought-after fashion, costume and stage set designer to create three dresses for the 81st Geneva International Motor Show, Neven got right to it. If he was ever daunted by the thought of 700,000 people potentially seeing his work – the number expected to flock to Geneva – his bold designs don’t let on.
High-energy design
Neven was briefed to create three pieces, which will be worn by models presenting new Chevrolets at the Chevrolet exhibition stand. Inspired by the lines of the iconic Camaro, Cruze and Aveo, Neven’s designs are electric – and likely helped by his keen sense of how fashion works in context. In fact, Neven has also made a name for himself in costume and stage set design for large-scale operas and ballets, as well as children’s festivals.
"When you create clothing," he says, "you can’t help but envision the space it will inhabit, the runway where the models will walk. For me, set design is closely linked to fashion and costume design. It’s logical."
No doubt Neven understood the Geneva show’s staggering scale and flashy competing attractions when designing the eye-catching, intricate dresses. If you’re at the show, stop by stand 1220 and see for yourself.
Ever-inspired
Since winning YCC 2008, Neven has not only been working to complete his Master’s degree in costume design, but designing for fashion shows, exhibitions and sets. Of note, he has put on two recent solo exhibitions and won the prestigious Top Student in the Republic of Croatia Award Scholarship in 2010.
This year, Neven plans to graduate and ideally start on a major opera or ballet production. As a professionally trained dancer who once danced for the Croatian National Theater, he finds inspiration by watching all kinds of performances and exhibitions – and staying close to family, friends and teachers.
YCC wisdom
Following his success in YCC, Neven shared some thoughts about the YCC contest and tips for YCC 2011 participants.
"YCC proved to be a very important competition in Croatia for young design students. For me, it was a great experience to participate, and I was very lucky to win and get such recognition.
To young fashion designers taking part in YCC, my advice – maybe surprisingly – would be to keep a distance from fashion events and fashion magazines, which can sometimes stifle creativity and the work itself.
Also, designers need to think through the whole project, for example the fabrics used, cut, effects and decorations that best match the brief or featured car(s). It’s also invaluable to think about the final appearance of the model, not only the dress but the shoes, hairstyle and makeup. But probably the most critical advice is to get outside of yourself and put yourself in the role of someone seeing your work for the first time. Then you’ll be able to spot what could be changed or reduced."
