Here and Now Fashion FestivalAitana Giebels van Bekestein

My thesis collection is about creating a new heritage brand that does not limit itself to one culture or nationality. Inspired by my own English and Spanish upbringing I intend to open up this idea of national identity for the quintessentially cosmopolitan woman. Presented through virtual reality, this is a collection which highlights the blending of cultures and traditions in the modern and technologically advanced world of today.

I explore the more well-known traditions, customs and styles of both cultures as well as my own personal attachment to specific elements through materiality, shape and the movement of those shapes. I translate key shapes known for their movement and flow into sturdy, firm elements.

I have always been interested in new and exciting ways of exhibiting fashion. I collaborated with the company Virtual Soft Studios in Seville, Spain for over 6 months to create a virtual presentation of my collection. This experience is best appreciated through a virtual reality headset. The VR experience is a full 360 degree environment where, when wearing the headset embraces a different reality and accomplishes a sense of presence for the viewer. We have created a runway show for each of my looks. Every look has a slightly different room and experience. The music and images change for each look.

Through the process of 3D scanning we have also designed a virtual showroom. The viewer again has a 360 degree view of the looks and garments. The idea is for the viewer to be able to get up close and examine the garments as well as, read from a panel any information they might want to know for each of the looks. The idea is to create an experience that brings the clothes to life and takes the viewer along with them.

Born in 1998, Aitana Giebels van Bekestein has recently graduated from Parsons, NYC with honours in Fashion Design and a minor in Chinese Studies, having previously completed her A-levels in Art, Photography, Spanish, French and Mandarin at Stonyhurst College. The designer uses her passion for photography and technology in her design projects. Her designs stem from inspiration she gathers from her personal journey as a Third Culture Kid being brought up in both Spain and England and her families being from those different cultures. She blends materials, shapes and styles that speak to a sense of both cultures in order to highlight this mixed idea of heritage and national identity. She has had the opportunity of interning at Mulberry, L.K. Bennett, PHA Media, From the Road and Aftershock.