Arijana Kajdić, M.F.A Fashion Design, was born in Velika Kladuša, Bosnia. At six years old her family immigrated to Ravensburg, Germany where they received asylum until the end of the Bosnian War. Her family eventually migrated to Boise, Idaho. Before attending Academy of Art University, she earned her B.A. in Communications and English. For her Fall 2014 womenswear collection she blended elements of masculine design with feminine treatment, all the while paying homage to the women who have nurtured her, in particular her grandmother. Each piece within the collection contains an immense amount of handwork, ranging from hand-dyeing to hand-beading. French lace company Sophie Hallette provided the lace in her collection, and other fabrics used include alpaca, mohair, wool, suiting, cotton, silk, and gauze. After graduation, she will begin a six-month Assistant Designer Trainee Program at St. John Collection.
What is your favorite memory of being in the School of Fashion?
Being surrounded by aspirational, inspiring, and disciplined people, who have allowed me into their world. I will cherish this last semester, working on collection as my favorite time at AAU.
What advice would you give students who want to do collection?
Forget that it sounds trite, and throw yourself into your work as far as you can. Experiment to the point of delusion/ obsession, it’s ok to be emotional. You owe it to yourself.
Ignoring the cost, what item would you buy right now?
I’d like to buy a sewing machine.
What is your greatest style regret?
Too many to count.
What is your most treasured possession?
My hands.
What is playing on your iPod?
Bombino, Jeff Buckley, Daughn Gibson, Sade, Grimes, J.Cole and a bunch of Bosnian music no one but me likes.
Written by Ashley Castanos
