AG: Can you tell us about your design concept/story of your upcoming collection?
Dragan: Currently I’m preparing the collection “Permanent Black III”, it’s a collection that celebrates our 15 anniversary of the label and is a rework of all the bestsellers’ proportions and patterns in black fabrics. It is going to be showcased at Ljubljana Fashion Week in October.
AG: How do you achieve sustainable production for LUDUS?
Dragan: Since the start of the brand Ludus, we’ve worked with seamstresses and other artisans very closely and this aspect of the work has always been so important for the quality of the garments. We’ve started the sustainable practices following our labels guidelines and commitment in 2015, firstly with the use of 100% natural fabrics, mainly monofibers which can easily be recycled. Later on we added zero waste pattern making to reduce the textile waste in our production process, up-cycling the waste into the care labels and different presentations.
During the pandemic we started the natural dyeing practice and we aim to become a brand that will use only raw unbleached fabrics which will be naturally dyed into our own colour palette and accordingly with prints that are result from the various hand dyeing techniques we use. This, we hope, will not only meet the needs of people with sensitive skin and other skin issues, but appeal to a wider audience that values this naturalistic approach in fashion.
AG: In what ways do you believe your exhibitions contribute to the cultural and economic landscape of Macedonia?
Dragan: Lately we've had many visits at Lab Design Market by locals, by tourists and people from the diplomatic core in North Macedonia who have expressed their amazement with the selected brands and see the showroom as contemporary design museum which makes me think that we've done a good job when it comes to creating a cultural impact in our country.
AG: How do you balance showcasing the cultural heritage of Macedonia with promoting contemporary and innovative designs?
Dragan: This balance is one of the most difficult things when it comes to my work and also the work of each designer. Trying to make a contemporary product using age-old techniques and traditional materials is very difficult but the job of the designer is to do just that. It's a great challenge but when it's greatly done the results are extraordinary.
AG: What trends are you noticing in the Macedonian emerging brand scene, and how are these reflected in your exhibitions?
Dragan: The Macedonian emerging design scene is inevitably characterised by the craftsmanship and the hand handmade quality is always visually distinguishable. Having noticed this working for a very long time with various artisans and designers in previous exhibitions and showrooms, I created this concept and worked on the idea that a showroom such as Lab Design Market could crystallise these unique traits, unifying various designer voices in one single creative space.
AG: What are your long-term goals for curating exhibitions, and where do you see the future of showcasing Macedonian brands?
Dragan: Our main goal for now is to have a showroom that represents our local community that is productive and stable in terms of both financial and creative issues and later on we would like to showcase our work through events, exhibitions and other temporary showrooms and also try to enter into the international market.
AG: What has been your most rewarding experience as a curator so far?
Dragan: Probably one of the most rewarding experiences as a curator is the fact that I have achieved something that is greater than just showcasing someone's work or sailing their products. When you create something more than that, when you create a new narrative, a new personal milestone whether you've achieved it or not then the experience becomes overwhelming and inspiring. I would like to stay objective and let the time and others tell whether we've done this in our short five months since the opening.
AG: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring curator or emerging brand, what would it be?
Dragan: “Do not take yourself too seriously”. When this phrase is interpreted that you should still work very hard but experiment and have fun with your work then this is probably the best advice I've been given and that I would like to pass on.
AG: How do you stay inspired and continually find fresh ideas for your exhibitions?
Dragan: It's probably the same dynamics as with my work at my label, Ludus. I tried to be careful and listen to my creative ego and nurture it with practices and habits that will contribute to my inspiration and my creative processes both in designing and creating exhibitions. I like to spend time in nature. I like to observe and most of my inspirations and ideas come from film, music and contemporary art.
AG: Could you share a memorable moment or a favorite piece from any of your past exhibitions that had a significant impact on you?
Dragan: My favourite thing that has come out of other exhibitions is the community that has been created within the participating designers. Some six or seven years ago at the Slowscapes exhibition I learned from a fellow designer the processes of natural dyeing and eco print which I implemented in my work at my label Ludus and still continue to develop on my own to this day.
