Iron Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design · 2020
Hopes and Beliefs Suit
by Adina Banea
- A' Design Award 2020 Iron Winner in Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design
- Awarded April 15, 2020
- CLIENT: Reprobable
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 35,163
- Verification code F4CB93F893 · Verify this award
About Hopes and Beliefs Suit
Hopes and Beliefs is a suit designed for daily work and for evening occasions. The set includes a Victorian-inspired puff-sleeve jacket, a belt-on peplum, jodhpur-style pants in two lengths and a Peter Pan collared dickey. The peplum can be attached over the jacket to change the appearance of the outfit. Magnetic closures on the pants and on the outer wrist of the sleeve adjust the garment and add a color accent. Fabrics made for industrial use are treated with special finishing steps to make them suitable for fashion. The suit is made in a limited series in Italian sizes 36 to 42.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The suit was thought of as an essential fashionable piece, but you'll still have the option to attach a belt-on peplum over the jacket, which will change the original rankings entirely. This youthful addition has a cold intake and conveys of free vibe and a unique signature too. The pant has a magnetic locking that turns a classic panty into Peter Pen's trousers. The same magnetic locking will be found on the sleeve outside the wrist to achieve the integral unit and the color accent visually.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 36 to Maximum 42 Italian size, considering that a larger size would not look aesthetically well.
Misses steampunk costume style, including Victorian-inspired puff-sleeve jacket, belt-on peplum, jodhpur-style pants in two lengths, and peter pan collared dickey.The costume is suitable for both daily work and a romantic dinner, it is versatile and mysterious, dress the body in a sensual way , being easily adaptable from all points of view, to any situation. - Tags
- minimalist touch, njalblacksheep, silveradesignaward, bestproductdesign, reprobable
- Production Technology
- Mostly, Reprobable works with his fabrics. Fabrics used to use in the food or sanitary industry, for example, industrial and not fashion niche, purchased directly from the manufacturers, is passed through a series of specific finishing procedures, so we manage to transform an atypical fabric into a fashion one. For the raw materials achieved, the colors will be decided during this whole creative process. Till the end, Reprobable will get its signature, from all points of view.
- Design Challenge
- Hopes and Beliefs talk about different moods and emotions, and personal kneels, intellect, and dilutions, that don't remain forgotten in a subconscious who never knows a soul. Reprobable always realized a limited series production that will never reproduce. As you can not reproduce the living for the first time of a child's emotion being, similarly, you can not reproduce tomorrow, the understandings already were undone about you. We have a product that dresses a body beautifully, dresses assumed, the soul too.
- Project Duration
- The project was started in April 2019 in Bucharest, and finished in June 2019 Bucharest too.
- Operation Flow
- Once upon a time, instead of waking up today,I woke up stupidly, in my day off yesterday.That was the day when, for the first time in my life, I felt fear.I deeply overwhelmed one single question.Did I dare to die already?And I felt the touch of eternal loneliness.No cure, no end. Even hopes were dead.Then suddenly I found myself an incredible force,somehow, help me to open my eyes and at that moment I saw a lot of lights and cross ads.So,hope and soul are alive,I am here with a reason,no doubt.
- Research
- In all the attempts at getting rid of myself, we will always find something new about ourselves. For this collection, I searched for my characters, as usual, different past times, thoughts, or principles. I tried to find the perfect suitable colors, warm nuances, which together, forming this whole unit, succeed in expressing positive emotions. Once discovered, acceded or understood by ourselves to the end, seen with the naked eye, all that stuff will be perceived by those around us, too.
- Inspiration
- It may seem like a paradox, but the whole concept is base on the positive experience of unlocking the negative emotions we do not know in the conscious way that we exist. For this collection, I spent a day and a night in the room where our greatest politician, Marshal Antonescu, was imprisoned, and whole this experience taught me to describe the real human's needs for being a free and untrained person. I entered Jilava Prison space like a humble servant, and I came out like a real winner.
- Image Credits
- Image #1 - Reprobable-Hope And Beliefs Campaign / 2019
Image #2 - Reprobable-Hope And Beliefs Campaign / 2019
Image #3 - Reprobable-Hope And Beliefs Campaign / 2019
Image #4 - Reprobable-Hope And Beliefs Campaign / 2019
Image #5 - Reprobable-Hope And Beliefs Campaign / 2019 - Patents
- The copyrights belongs to Reprobable
Colors of Hopes and Beliefs Suit
Design Interview about Hopes and Beliefs Suit
Fear. It may seem like a paradox, but the whole concept is base on the positive experience of unlocking the negative emotions we do not know in the conscious way that we exist. For this collection, I spent a day and a night in the room where our greatest politician, Marshal Antonescu, was imprisoned, and whole this experience taught me to describe the real human's needs for being a free and untrained person. I entered Jilava Prison space like a humble servant, and I came out like a real winner.
Hopes and Beliefs talk about different moods and emotions, and personal kneels, intellect, and dilutions, that don't remain forgotten in a subconscious who never knows a soul. Reprobable always realized a limited series production that will never reproduce. As you can not reproduce the living for the first time of a child's emotion being, similarly, you can not reproduce tomorrow, the understandings already were undone about you. We have a product that dresses a body beautifully, dresses assumed, the soul too.
My plan is always to have no plan.
As usual. I don't know exactly how long it is take.
As I Said, Beliefs was inspire by fear and its limits. Otherwise, inspiraționale is always the key. Always.
What is made under Reprobable's brand, remain in the house, but I have collections which was produced for other brands as white or private label products, index.
Im adreesing always to real people. They are my target.
Those people with a smile in their eyes, and not to those who practice happiness in a mirror, transforming it in a fake photogenic smile.
TO those people that catch attention with their personality and not with an ego ultra-branded with vanity.
Those people with a smile in their eyes, and not to those who practice happiness in a mirror, transforming it in a fake photogenic smile.
TO those people that catch attention with their personality and not with an ego ultra-branded with vanity.
I would say each product it’s unique, special and a little bohemian.
Parisian, how you so well call it, would be as well a great atribute for R.
Anyway, I wouldn’t actually dare to put -must- as a sine qua non imperative for R.
I would only say that I know for sure you would love wearing our clothes. You tell me, who doesn’t love comfort? Who wouldn’t rather wear clothes with attitude instead of a boring one, probably even faked after one of Kim Kardashian’s latest appearences?
We are a little avant-garde, I would say. Always one step ahead of the trend, without being any less carefully involved in any trends of the moment.
Parisian, how you so well call it, would be as well a great atribute for R.
Anyway, I wouldn’t actually dare to put -must- as a sine qua non imperative for R.
I would only say that I know for sure you would love wearing our clothes. You tell me, who doesn’t love comfort? Who wouldn’t rather wear clothes with attitude instead of a boring one, probably even faked after one of Kim Kardashian’s latest appearences?
We are a little avant-garde, I would say. Always one step ahead of the trend, without being any less carefully involved in any trends of the moment.
"Hopes And Beliefs" are essential principles in order to live a good life. When you feel fear, you have to believe that everything will be ok till the end. Hopes must be alive always, meanwhile, because if the hope is died, your life Will be died too. No hope, no life.
The usual ones.
As always, yes.
As I told you from the start, I experimented one day and night in a old prison.
Making as always a special product that are not belong to the seasonal trend, but to find itself on the long term in the wordrobe of the one who buy it.
The competitions are for me the best way in order to test my evoluation, my skills.
I understand the fear. I've met it, we became friends.
I believe and I hope, at least, that you know already a little part of myself after today.
Grand Interview about Hopes and Beliefs Suit
The fabric selection process for the Hopes and Beliefs Suit was both meticulous and intentional. My goal was to repurpose industrial fabrics—materials typically associated with functionality and resilience—into a medium for storytelling and personal expression. I began by exploring materials that carry intrinsic symbolism, such as Tyvek, which is lightweight, durable, and has a paper-like quality that evokes fragility and strength simultaneously. This juxtaposition was crucial to embody the duality of hope and belief.I also considered how the tactile and visual properties of the fabrics would interact with the garment’s design. Industrial fabrics like Tyvek challenge the idea of luxury in fashion by introducing a raw, utilitarian aesthetic, yet they can be elevated through innovative tailoring and finishes. This tension between the ordinary and the extraordinary reinforces the suit's narrative.
The experience evoked a deep sense of introspection. The prison cell, with its somber history and palpable silence, symbolized confinement not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually. It was a space where belief and hope were likely the only sources of comfort and resilience for its occupants. This duality of despair and resilience became the foundation for the suit's narrative.I wanted the suit to serve as a metaphorical bridge between the weight of history and the lightness of hope. It tells a story of overcoming, where each stitch and fabric choice reflects the layers of human emotion—fear, resilience, and the ultimate triumph of belief over adversity.
The magnetic locking system in the Hopes and Beliefs Suit was inspired by the concept of adaptability and fluidity in both fashion and life. This innovation reflects the idea that clothing, much like individuals, should evolve to suit different circumstances. The system allows the suit to transform seamlessly between styles, encouraging wearers to express themselves in multiple ways with a single garment.The inspiration came from observing the resilience and creativity required to navigate challenging environments, like those symbolized by the prison. Magnets, in their simplicity and functionality, represent a connection—holding elements together effortlessly. This mirrors the way belief and hope act as invisible forces that keep us grounded during life’s transformations. By integrating this system, I wanted to create a garment that speaks to the wearer’s adaptability, connecting body, soul, and environment in a harmonious way.
Photographing the Hopes and Beliefs Suit at Europe’s oldest political prison was a deliberate and symbolic choice to highlight the paradox of hope emerging from darkness. This setting provided a poignant backdrop for the collection, amplifying its emotional depth and message.The prison, with its weathered walls and haunting history, embodies the weight of oppression and confinement. By placing the suit—a symbol of resilience, belief, and transformation—in this environment, I sought to create a visual dialogue between past and present, despair and optimism. The contrast serves as a reminder that even in the bleakest moments, hope has the power to emerge and inspire.
The belt-on peplum and Peter Pan-style trousers were designed to embody the themes of the "servile introvert" and the "invisible self" by blending elements of restraint and subtle rebellion. The peplum, with its structured yet fluid design, symbolizes a contained expression of individuality—reflecting the introvert’s struggle to balance visibility and self-containment. The belt further emphasizes this restraint, as if holding back a hidden energy waiting to emerge.The Peter Pan-style trousers, on the other hand, represent a quiet defiance of convention. Their playful, almost childlike silhouette contrasts with the seriousness of traditional tailoring, reflecting the "invisible self"—the part of us that yearns to break free from societal expectations and reclaim authenticity. Together, these elements create a visual narrative of introspection, control, and the understated power of self-discovery.
The Hopes and Beliefs Suit was a deliberate exercise in transforming negative emotions—such as fear, confinement, and doubt—into positive, empowering experiences through design. This psychological transformation is reflected in several key elements:1. Material Choice:The use of industrial fabrics like Tyvek, typically associated with harshness and utilitarianism, was transformed into something elegant and expressive. This process mirrors the act of finding beauty and resilience in challenging circumstances.2. Magnetic Locking System:The innovative magnetic closures symbolize connection and adaptability. While negative emotions can feel isolating, these closures remind us of the ease with which we can reconnect and transform when we embrace flexibility and change.3. Belt-on Peplum and Structured Silhouette:The structured peplum represents control over chaos, turning emotional restraint into a poised, confident form. The added belt suggests agency—wearers can "cinch in" their emotions, harnessing them constructively rather than letting them overwhelm.4. Subtle Playfulness in Design:Elements like the Peter Pan-style trousers introduce a sense of whimsy and lightness, counteracting heaviness and negativity. This playful touch encourages optimism and a sense of curiosity about the future.Through these details, the suit becomes more than just clothing—it’s a narrative of turning life’s struggles into symbols of growth and resilience. It invites the wearer to carry hope and belief, transforming challenges into opportunities for self-expression and empowerment.
Earning the A' Design Award for the Hopes and Beliefs Suit was a profound validation of my belief that fashion can and should address emotional and psychological dimensions. This recognition reinforced the idea that design is not just about aesthetics or functionality but also about creating meaningful connections with people’s inner lives. It affirmed that there is a global audience that values fashion as a medium for storytelling and personal expression.This acknowledgment has deepened my commitment to designing garments that go beyond the surface, encouraging wearers to engage with themes of resilience, transformation, and hope. It also inspired me to explore new ways of embedding emotional narratives into my work, using fashion as a tool for empowerment and self-reflection. Knowing that these ideas resonate on an international scale has been both humbling and motivating, pushing me to continue innovating in ways that connect with both the body and the soul.
The warm nuances in the Hopes and Beliefs Suit were carefully chosen to evoke a sense of comfort, optimism, and emotional balance, aligning with the garment's therapeutic intent. The color selection process was rooted in psychological principles, where warmer tones like soft beige, muted gold, or warm greys were used to create a calming yet uplifting effect.These hues were selected to contrast the starkness of the industrial materials, softening their utilitarian nature and infusing the garment with a sense of humanity and warmth. The warmth in the palette also symbolizes light emerging from darkness, reinforcing the narrative of hope and transformation. By surrounding the wearer with these positive tones, the suit becomes more than clothing—it acts as a visual and emotional anchor, promoting a sense of well-being and inner peace.
The fusion of Victorian-inspired elements with contemporary adaptability in the Hopes and Beliefs Suit reflects my belief that fashion is a bridge between the past and the present, enabling personal transformation through storytelling and self-expression. Victorian elements, such as structured silhouettes and attention to detail, symbolize tradition, discipline, and introspection, drawing on the era’s emphasis on formality and resilience. These elements ground the suit in a sense of history and continuity.In contrast, the contemporary innovations, like the magnetic closures and adaptable design, represent flexibility and progress—qualities essential for navigating modern challenges. This temporal fusion creates a dynamic dialogue between the wearer’s roots and their capacity for growth, encouraging them to embrace their history while reimagining their future. It demonstrates that personal transformation involves honoring where we’ve come from while adapting to where we’re headed, and fashion serves as a powerful medium to embody that journey.
The Hopes and Beliefs Suit as Lesson Seven in my collection embodies my philosophy of creating garments that dress both the body and the soul by serving as a wearable narrative of resilience, transformation, and emotional connection. Physically, the suit is meticulously tailored with thoughtful details like the belt-on peplum and Peter Pan-style trousers, ensuring it complements and empowers the body. These elements combine structure with versatility, offering comfort, adaptability, and elegance.On a deeper level, the suit speaks to the soul by integrating symbolic design choices that reflect themes of hope and belief. The use of industrial fabrics transformed into something beautiful mirrors the process of turning challenges into growth. The warm, nuanced colors provide a sense of emotional grounding, while features like the magnetic closures represent invisible forces of connection and adaptability. This interplay of form and meaning ensures that the garment is not just an outfit but an experience—a reminder for the wearer to carry their inner strength and optimism with them.