Kartchev
by Stefan Kartchev
Kartchev bridges seemingly disparate elements, effortlessly combining virtual with physical and intertwining traditional crafts with modern technologies. These contrasts subvert and synergize, strengthening each other harmoniously.
Intrigued by experimentation with volumes and alternative ways of utilizing surfaces, Kartchev immerses printed artworks to enhance or shift the body's perspective. This results in silhouettes submerged in colourful visuals, opening windows to alternative spaces and taking us on a transformative journey through time.
Drawing inspiration from what surrounds us, urban settings that bear traces of human interactions, intentions, and even neglect, he notices compositions that take on a life of their own once the individual has stepped away. Identifying these scenarios, Kartchev crafts new narratives, utilizing ready-mades as sources to inspire ideas in textile, configurations, graphical directions, manipulations, and the way future work can be displayed. By recontextualizing certain elements, he weaves fictional stories.
With a keen interest in activewear, his fashion-oriented work challenges the limitation of industrial applications, infusing a playful approach to expand the creative horizons of his collaborators. In the upcoming Spring Summer 2024 collection, Kartchev studio collaborates with Paris-based jeweller Colombe d’Humieres whose unique artisanal creations become a pivotal inspiration for printed textiles.
Experience includes work for brands such as Coperni, Y-Project, Walter Van Beirendonck, ROMBAUT, Prada, Bioracer Speedwear, and collaborative exchanges with artists such as Gaëtan Rusquet, Sam Rolfes, Michele Rizzo, collective Every Island, and digital fashion platform Mutani. Kartchev’s involvement in artistic projects has been noticed at places such as Design Museum Den Bosch (NL), La Quadriennale di Roma (IT), Dutch Design Week (NL), Bozar (BE), MUDAM (LU) and Casino (LU).
The research and development of Kartchev SS24 collection was been made possible with the support of The Flemish government - Department of youth, culture and media.
Practical information
August 9th to 11th: Fashion Trade show CIFF x REVOLVER
The trade show takes place at Bella Center Copenhagen: Center Boulevard 5, 2300 Copenhagen. The fair is open to the public Wednesday and Thursday from 9am until 6pm and on Friday from 9am until 4pm. Register here for a ticket.
For more information or interview requests, please contact: