The realm of fashion has witnessed several groundbreaking innovations over the decades, but none as unique as the latest collection from Nina Bojdo, titled “Blow Up.” At the crossroads of fashion and mental health, Nina has crafted a collection that emphasizes the importance of personal space and psychological well-being.
Bojdo’s designs are a manifestation of her own experiences. “In order to make something new and interesting, it had to be designed from a deeply personal perspective,” says Nina. Rooted in her own challenges with mental health, her collection is tailored for women who encounter personal space violations on a daily basis.
By contrasting protective spikes and abstract shapes with stereotypically “feminine” bows and short skirts, Nina challenges the notion that women have to sacrifice their femininity to feel safe and respected. “I want to emphasize that a woman’s clothing choice should never imply consent, and embracing femininity should never make you feel unsafe.”
This design philosophy becomes more evident in her innovative inflating system integrated into her clothing. Drawing inspiration from life jackets inflating during plane emergencies, these garments can be inflated whenever one feels overwhelmed or wants more space around them. To play on that theme, Nina conveyed the instructions for her garments in a campaign video inspired by plane safety announcements.
Her commitment to sustainability and innovation is clear in the fabrication process. In a world where fashion waste is a growing concern, Nina worked with recycled materials, melting old plastic sheets onto lace to create her own airtight yet transparent fabrics. “I liked lace because it felt feminine and seductive. But making inflatables from it was a challenge. I used recycled materials, and I didn’t have much of one kind, so I had to experiment with different plastics and heating methods,” Nina admits. But it’s evident that these challenges only fueled her creativity further.
But “Blow Up” isn’t Nina’s only venture into pioneering fashion designs. Her recent textile collection taps into the often overlooked fidgeting habits that many people have. Nina observed these habits in someone close to her, leading her to design fabrics catering to these subconscious needs. By combining machine knitting and 3D printing and taking insights from people with ADHD and anxiety, she created interactive textile fabrics that offer tactile experiences that help ground the wearer and divert negative thoughts.
Nina envisions a more inclusive future for the fashion industry, one that caters to deeper sensory and emotional needs. “It’s crucial to focus on making adaptable and customizable garments,” she believes. Her emphasis on collaboration and understanding individual challenges ensures that her designs truly resonate with her audience.
Looking forward, Nina is set to launch a more practical clothing brand, bringing her conceptual brilliance to everyday wear. “I’m working on convertible clothes that can be easily adjusted to different situations and needs, maximizing the value of each piece” she says, emphasizing her dedication to versatile, multi-purpose garments.
As the trend of customizable clothing evolves, Nina sees a bright future where customers actively participate in the design process. With advancing technologies and increasing demand for personalized fashion choices, Nina aims to place her brand at the forefront by emphasizing customer engagement and collaboration.
Reflecting on her journey at The Amsterdam Fashion Institute, Nina’s perception of fashion’s role in society and individual well-being has undergone a transformative evolution. From understanding its influence to identifying her authentic niche, she underscores the importance of purposeful creativity. Her advice to budding designers? “Find a niche that is authentic to you and be open to collaboration. Look for people who can contribute unique perspectives and include them in your process.”
In a world where fashion trends come and go, Nina Bojdo is here to stay. By seamlessly blending style with a deeper purpose, she’s not just designing clothes; she’s crafting a movement. A movement that gives voice to silent struggles, challenges societal norms, and redefines what fashion can be.
To see more of Nina Bojdo’s work visit her instagram here or her TikTok page here.
