English
Textile and Fashion Design

Katja Kuhar

ALMA

Project

Inspired by the cultural legacy of Alma Karlin, one of the most significant figures of Slovenian heritage, this project develops a contemporary narrative rooted in research and identity. Alma Karlin was a pioneering traveller and writer who travelled the world alone in the early 20th century, documenting various cultures with exceptional sensitivity and depth.

Through a carefully balanced relationship between tradition and innovation, the “Alma” project emphasises the importance of craftsmanship, material sensitivity, and thoughtful design. Specially developed patterns, shaped silhouettes, and tactile qualities create a dialogue between past and present, transforming heritage into a wearable experience.

The initiative redefines the relationship between textile design and the end-user by offering pieces that are both functional and conceptually rich. By introducing this avant-garde textile project to the market, a direct connection is established between artistically crafted fashion items and a discerning audience that values authenticity, sustainability, and narrative depth.

Ultimately, the project positions textile design as a medium of cultural expression, where garments become carriers of stories that connect history and contemporary life.

Year

2024/25

Mentors and collaborators

Katja Kuhar Smiljanić (design)
Reibenphoto (photography)
Barbara Borko (photoshoot art director, model)
Blankframes (video production)

Author

Katja Kuhar Smiljanić is a Slovenian fashion and textile designer from Maribor, working at the intersection of contemporary design, sustainability, and an authorial approach to clothing. Her work is characterised by thoughtful construction, subtle aesthetics, and a strong narrative component, often inspired by cultural heritage, art, and personal stories.

She began her design career during her studies at the Naravoslovnotehnički fakultet, University of Ljubljana, where she developed her own expression through the exploration of materials, silhouettes, and a conceptual approach to fashion. She made a significant breakthrough on the regional scene in Zagreb, where she won the prestigious “Lift by Perwoll” competition as part of the “Fashion.hr Industrija” platform. Her “Night Light” collection stood out among numerous submissions, enabling her further independent presentations and professional development.

Today, Katja Kuhar works as an independent author, creating authorial collections, costume design, and uniforms. Her work is based on sustainable principles, local production, and respect for materials, and she shapes her collections as complete stories connecting the past and the present.

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