Gabriela Milenova Zheleva

Contact:
gabimilenova1999@gmail.com
University/School:
University of Portsmouth
Location:
Portsmouth
Specialism:
Fashion DesignFashion TechnologyInternational FashionSustainabiltyTextilesWomenswear
About Me

Hi, I'm a fashion and textile designer from University of Portsmouth.

Gabriela is a talented fashion and textiles designer who specialises in womenswear and haute couture. She began her career in Nicosia, Cyprus, where she studied fashion design for three years and also worked with tailored menswear designer Kristo Avraam. She emigrated to England in 2018 to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in fashion and textile design.

As someone who has lived in three different nations, I have a unique perspective on things. I emigrated from Bulgaria to Cyprus at the age of ten, and then to England at the age of nineteen. I’ve been exposed to a variety of cultures, languages and traditions which inspires me to express these distinctions throughout fashion and bring people together. In the near future, my main aim will be to continue addressing concerns that I observe in everyday life while interacting with individuals from all over the world.

INSPIRATION

Behind the screens focuses on the negativities of technology on mental health and well-being.

Growing up in a generation where technology and social media were not as developed and popular, gave me the opportunity to have a playful childhood away from the screens. The drastic evolution of technology prompted me to question the values of today's culture. Noticing it around individuals, particularly younger generations and even within my family and friends, inspired me to start my collection.

Disturbed from the realisation of the issue, I felt a strong urge to create a collection that would raise awareness among people and society. Spreading a powerful, meaningful message in order to make people question themselves about their surroundings and everyday life. To look up deeply into seemingly innocuous items and to challenge themselves to explore what’s beyond their devices.

MY WORK

PORTFOLIOS

DETAIL

3D hexagon prints on a fabric and laser cutting engraved texture.

Admiring the work of a great fashion designer, Iris Van Herpen, inspired me to incorporate unusual materials in my collection such as 3D printed PLA recycled plastic on silk fabric. The stiff hexagonal material represents the dopamine chemical formula received by the brain as a result of using technology and social media. Researching more into the topic, I created a textile brain design that I engraved into the fabric using a laser cutter machine. The delicately engraved detail symbolises the health and well-being side of my collection that brings the message of importance of health and well-being in people’s daily lives. Designing a futuristic collection using a combination of bright shiny colours and materials, such as white and silver satin fabric, highlight the technology devices’ colours and the minimalism in my collection.

“Fashion should be a form of escapism, and not a form of imprisonment.” – Alexander McQueen
Fashion DesignFashion TechnologyInternational FashionSustainabiltyTextilesWomenswear
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