Olivia Jochum

“I’m still in my own process of learning, constantly discovering, and constantly growing”. – Bruce Lee My collection is inspired by Bruce Lee, whose life and work reflect his passion for sports, fashion, and philosophy. His iconic Kung Fu films and physicality shaped the visual and conceptual language of the designs, while his philosophical ideas – especially the balance of Yin and Yang – informed the movement and structure of the garments. I have also explored these themes in my Cultural Studies thesis, which examined how philosophical principles in Kung Fu could influence both practice and design. In my design work, Bruce Lee’s martial arts clothing and fashion were the focal point, combined with the philosophical insights from my written work.The clothing of Eastern martial arts, such as Judo, Karate, Kung Fu, and Aikido, as well as the fashion of the 1970s, is particularly emphasized, since Bruce Lee achieved his greatest successes during this era and had the greatest influence at that time. It was especially important to me in this collection to focus on natural materials, as they are not only biodegradable and therefore more environmentally friendly than synthetic fibers, but also provide a more comfortable wearing experience due to their skin-friendly properties. Not only the material, but also the design contributes to the wearer feeling comfortable in their own skin. My intention was to create a balance between casual coolness and playful lightness in my designs – clothing that not only makes you feel comfortable but also conveys a sense of confidence and strength.