Rising design star David Demovic has partnered with fashion powerhouse Monika Lacekova to create the You are IQ sustainable waste-to-fashion collection under the Atelier 71 brand. The innovative designs will be presented on the runway during Couture Fashion Week New York’s 40th season. The highly-anticipated fashion show will be held at 6 pm on Saturday September 14, 2024 at the iconic Angel Orensanz Foundation, a New York City Historic Landmark.

Monika Lacekova is the founder of Atelier 71, a fashion designer, visual artist, and educator. David Demovic is a laureate of the Glass Button Awards Slovakia as the “New Designer of the Year” sponsored by the +421 Foundation New York and Atelier 71. The Glass Button Awards (GBA) granted David an artistic residency at Atelier 71 and a presentation of his work at Couture Fashion Week New York.

Mr. Demovic’s debut collection highlights the trend that prevails in our consumer society: buying cheaply and excessively. Under the leadership of Monika Lacekova at Atelier 71, he was inspired to transform used clothes into new looks, working with the original garment, and altering the fabric within, in an upcycling process. Together they introduced an original innovation entitled You are IQ. It is based on the sustainable waste-to-fashion principle, turning fashion waste into fabulous new fabrics and garments. 

Atelier 71

Atelier 71 is a craft house, focusing on fashion design, where creativity reigns. It is a place to learn, create and connect. It was established by the Mola Couture designer Monika Lacekova, the true artist and educator, who has been working in the field of textile design for 30 years. Atelier 71 puts an emphasis on hand-made design and is involved in numerous projects to restore and preserve true craftsmanship. The team’s focus includes artistic embroidery, making of hats and accessories and textile recycling – just to name a few – supporting the new generation of artists and fashion designers, like David Demovic.

Plus421 Foundation New York

The +421 Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2006 with offices in New York,  the United States and Bratislava, Slovakia. It pursues a mission of enhancing mutual understanding; relations between the American and Slovak people by showcasing the cultural richness of Slovakia to diverse audiences, and by creating opportunities for mutually beneficial interaction in the cultural sphere and beyond. The name of the organization derives from the international telephone calling code for Slovakia, which is +421. The organization works to generate visibility for Slovak arts, culture, and various charitable causes through art exhibitions, performances, educational workshops, and cultural events around the world.

Couture Fashion Week New York

Now entering its 40th consecutive season, Couture Fashion Week is one of the most prestigious fashion events in New York. Hundreds of exceptional designers from around the globe have shown their designs on the CFW runways to consistently enthusiastic receptions from audiences of fashion-loving consumers, international press, VIPs and members of the trade. Founded by designer and producer Andres Aquino, the event is known for presenting great fashion designers along with world-class performers.

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