Ioanna Kourbela : prism of Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope is derived from the Ancient Greek words καλός (kalos)= ‘beautiful, beauty’, εἶδος (eidos)= ‘that which is seen: form, shape’ and σκοπέω (skopeō)= ‘to look to, to examine’, hence ‘observation of beautiful forms’. The word was invented in 1817 by Sir David Brewster, inventor of the device.
A children’s toy, that allows the light to come through, becomes the optical prism for the Ioanna Kourbela SS16 collection. The human image is analyzed through multiple reflections. Symmetry and balance are essential. The SS16 collection comes as a completion of the previous and is a further investigation, not only into new geometric shapes, but, respectively, in the absence of shapes as well.
Investigation of the void
The images through the kaleidoscope have references also in architecture and in sculpture. Emphasis on symmetry. Axes that highlight the body in a dynamic way. Patterns resulting from games of fullness and emptiness; translucent designs, like facets of a prism, are repeated to infinity in airy fabrics and elaborate knitwear.
The way clothes envelope the unique energy flow of every human body is Ioanna Kourbela’s main source of inspiration along with the elements in nature, the hectic pace of life and cultural diversity of Athens, Greece. The designer’s collections reveal the different aspects of a minimalist aesthetic embracing the simplicity and charm of classical harmony.
Natural organic fabrics such as cotton, linen, wool and silk are combined and contrasted in a variety of flowing materials, intricate knitting patterns and embossed fibers that elegantly embrace the body. The ingenious patterns generate intelligent casual collections while the experimental details and alternate textures often create an intriguing effect without sacrificing functionality.
The greek designer Ioanna Kourbela grew up in an inspiring environment, an ingenious laboratory where she could learn and develop the craft of design. She exploited her creative spirit and long-held passion for clothing design by studying fashion, costume design and scenography.
In 2003, following the completion of her studies, the designer presented her first collection. Two years later the formation of K3 Wearable Thinking Company and three new Exclusive Ioanna Kourbela Stores in Plaka introduce to the public her valuable aesthetic philosophy, her explosive potential and put her strong, singular vision on display.
