ARCHITECTURAL CLOTHES

...creating shelters for the body

My name is Nahum Villasana. I'm 24. I am based in the North of Mexico, Mexicali, Baja California. I studied fashion design and pattern making at Escuela de Diseño de Baja California, where I graduated in 2005, and I'm currently teaching "History of Costume". My first womenswear line, Subversive Collection, was launched in 2005. As I developed as a designer, I soon discovered my admiration for menswear and immediately changed direction by constructing the menswear line, Architectural Clothes, in 2007. My designs are based on the geometric make-up in clothing. I focus on the examination of garment construction. The label name suggests protection, in a sense that the pieces themselves act as a shelter for the body. I pay close attention to the structure of clothing which is reflected in the technical details. My designs are handmade as I trace, cut, sew, and construct the pieces myself. I like to think that my pieces exude craft and style. So far, I have generated four collections. The first one, "Mechanical Connection Vol. I", followed by "Vol. II" where I adapted lines to the body to conduct a stronger outline which enhanced certain parts of the body. For my next project titled "The Armored Body" I implemented the same principles whereby clothes are a means of shelter – the elaborate designs suggest protection and armor. My final, and current, collection is "Bisector Human". I experimented with layering to reflect the invisible spaces that exist between the user and the clothes – as a bisector.

Nothing inspires me like…
The body. Whether male or female, I am fascinated by the human body itself. I also admire creative people who create beautiful things, for others to find inspiration in, somewhat of an inspirational chain.

I hope…
To complete all the projects that I'm planning for this year and the future with the line. I also hope to start selling again, for my label to grow and expand into other countries, places, and people…

Cultural influences…
Are the art forms of Cycladian sculptures. The introduction of the “Delphos” gown in the 1900s and how it was referred to in the construction of the garments. I try to reflect these influences in the way my clothes are built.

I got where I am...
By learning. I've enjoyed my experiences so far, but I have yet to grow and learn so much more. There are still many more exciting things to discover.

Fashion can sometimes...
Be misunderstood. I don't like to think of the word fashion and trends, because people often misinterpret it. I just find it sublime that humans are the only ones given the opportunity of the "second skin".

Did you know…
That if you count and spell the numbers at the same time, and you look for the letter "A", you won't find it until you reach "thousAnd". Well I don't know if many people knew this. It's just some interesting fact about the world, hehe!

Creativity comes from…
The work of other people. I mean it inspires you, like a chain. I think that's how we discover various means of contemporary art and design. Like different languages. But at the end of the day I find it relative. Everyone has a different opinion about it.

My dreams are…
To see my work completed, having people appreciate it and the feeling you get after that.

My future is…
To just continue doing my work. I don’t try to plan too much, and think of what’s going to happen next. I just do something, and once it’s done, I’ll move onto the next project.

Pain comes from…
The things that are subverted in your mind at a certain moment, so much that you remember it with a bad and sad state. On the other hand, sometimes you need a little pain, to learn.

NYC/London/Paris/Milan are…
Something unknown to me, as I have never been to any of these places before. I hope to go someday and see the many places I've seen and heard of in many books.

I like making...
Anything that I enjoy. I like to hang out, go to work, design, start a new project, travel, buy stuff…

I love getting older...
As you gain more experiences, you become wiser. Though, you sometimes think of what would've happened if you were reborn with all the experiences you previously gained. Anyway, I like it.

ARCHITECTURAL CLOTHES ON NJAL