Talent Talks: Elīna Siliņa

As Elīna Siliņa delved into the ethnographic treasures of her Latvian heritage, a harmonious symphony of colour, pattern and material emerged. Every choice echoing the reverence for tradition.

Elīna Siliņa - ZIEMEĻMEITA - Daughter of the North - Image by Kristine Madjāre

Could you please introduce yourself?

Hello! I'm Elina. I am a fashion designer from Latvia. My heart beats for delving into traditional crafts and getting my hands busy.

Having graduated recently, how do you look back on your studies?

While at Aalto University, diving into textile and fashion design opened up a whole new world for me. Not only did I refine my skills in crafting fabric and clothing, but I also had an eye-opening experience. It's impressive how fabrics hold incredible power to bridge gaps between cultures, both near and far, and it gave me fresh lens to look at my own culture in a whole new light.

Could you please tell us something about your graduation collection/project?

The heart of this collection beats with the rhythms of Latvian folk symbols, each imbued with meanings that span generations. As I researched and delved into Latvian ethnographic treasures, a harmonious symphony of colour, pattern, and material emerged as the guiding principle. Every choice, from sourcing the finest hand-spun raw wool by local artisans to hand-dying with natural materials like mushrooms and onion skins, echoes the reverence for tradition. My designs pay homage to the intricate dance between ancestral symbols and contemporary expression. Geometric motifs, full of Latvian culture, grace these fabrics, carrying stories of prophecy and protection. Collaborating with local artisans, gave life to hand-woven wool belts, each strand carrying ancient wisdom.

Which materials, techniques, programmes and/or applications are you mostly interested in?

I’m all about the natural fibers – wool, linen, silk, hemp, and leather. And there's something so satisfying about working with materials straight from the earth. And I get excited about putting in the effort, trying out new things, and just taking my time. But my real crush is that perfect blend of knits and leather. That combo gets me every time!

The exhibition you are a part of looks into the meaning of regeneration. What does regeneration mean to you and your work?

Regeneration, to me, is like reviving forgotten gems and timeless values. It's about honouring where I come from and the world around me. I see it as this relationship with memories, breathing new life into them. It's like making memories tangible again.

How do you perceive the meaning and importance of community within the fashion field?

I think that the community is the heart and soul of the whole fashion scene. Without it, all we'd have is corporate greed and selling out. Being in the fashion industry can be really demanding; it's like a constant whirlwind. But having this crew and sense of belonging is like a lifeline that makes the journey feel worth it.

NOoF: How do you view the future of fashion? And your own role therein?

When I look ahead to what's coming for fashion, it's like staring into a fog. There are days when I'm just swamped with this mix of emotions – confusion, doubt, and a massive weight on my shoulders about the environment and society. But I break it all down into bite-sized pieces, and that's how I deal. I'm crossing my fingers that I'll carve out my spot in one of those "fashion industry bite-sized pieces" and somehow make a dent in moving forward into a more positive future.

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