Be Here Now (LFW): VJ Taganahan
In light of London Fashion Week, 2021, we are intentionally slowing down to highlight some of the change makers in our GIFTED community. As the recent IPCC report reveals frightening news, with regards to the current state of the climate crisis, it also sheds light on the urgent role that the fashion industry plays in mitigating the worst-case scenarios of global warming.
To kick our series off, we shine a light on rising Fashion Designer and Consultant, VJ Taganahan, Founder of Atô Studio - a name rooted in the Filipino Bisaya word ‘inatô’ which means ‘our own’ or ‘ours’, representative of a community-sense of belonging. Atô Studio aims to echo this same sense of belongingness in their designs by reflecting a strong alignment with oneself, our community and the social landscape we are in. From developing a brand’s visual expression through concept planning, product designing and range building, all the way through to sustainable garment and post-production settings, Atô Studio works on all the aspects of the design process to successfully deliver a creatively balanced and commercially-aware product range.
Let’s take some time to slow down and to listen to the creator behind Atô Studio. Thank you for choosing to grow together as Gifted, by Nature!
Who are you?
Name: VJ Taganahan
Gifted: Fashion Designer and Consultant
IG: @ato_studio__
Website: www.atostudiolondon.com
Three words to describe how you’re feeling right now: Grateful, Blessed, Open
Slow down… I just wanna get to know you....
How did you first become interested in slow fashion?
Working in the industry, it’s ‘non-stop’, the feeling of a continuous - ‘What’s next?’. It is predominantly business, whilst the other aspects of it are exceedingly pushed – either the employees or the environment. It became apparent to me that there is a feeling of continuous speed – feeding a capitalist mindset rather than an awareness of the whole entirety. Becoming aware of this, it made me realise that we need to slow down – ourselves and the fashion industry. A more consciously aware approach is needed to enable us to work sustainably in the many aspects it involves.
What’s your process when you begin designing? What inspires you?
I research a lot – from online research to going out into the areas around me. London is full of inspiration. I can be inspired by one image that captures my mood or the current social landscape. I try to soak in as much as I can and then filter through the noise by asking myself key questions – such as, what am I trying to communicate? What am I looking for in a specific season that I am working on? What is my muse looking for? What are the scenarios that she finds herself in? From here, I start putting together a mood board to translate everything visually.
In reflection, what’s your favourite aspect of being a designer?
My favourite aspect is being able to create a simple idea and turning it into a tangible design that can be worn and enjoyed – being a part of the experience.
Considering all the changes that have happened over the past year, what are some of your hopes and dreams for Atô Studio?
I hope that Atô Studio will continue to grow steadily and create successful and inspiring project opportunities with brands and individuals. I also hope for it to become a creative space where I can give back to the community by developing a creative fashion directed platform for people of ethnic minority backgrounds.
Letting go…
With all the heaviness that the world is experiencing, it’s important to hold space for light. We’re all moving through a climate crisis, a global health, environmental and racial pandemic; yet, despite and because of this weight, we still rise. The human spirit continues to leave us encouraged by change…
What are you ‘letting go’ of in this season?
I’m letting go of habitual and ancestral fears to make more room for growth to create a new and open path. I no longer need my survival mode habits. Instead, I am leading my thoughts and actions by being present. I used to control everything out of fear. Now, I am acknowledging my past patterns and unlearning a lot of things slowly. I notice that I haven’t thought about nurturing my physical health through exercise and movement. I am now taking action to organise and get into classes to promote movement and energy in my body.
Grateful...
As we shift out of lockdown, into a renewed season of ‘normality’ - take a moment to reflect on what you are grateful for…
What are your lockdown blessings?
I’m grateful for the space and time to slow down and acknowledge myself. I appreciate and acknowledge myself a lot more. I’m hopeful about the direction I am heading. I’ve found a new love for myself. I’ve discovered that I am resilient and powerful.
Recommendations
At the moment, what are you:
Listening to: ‘Woman’ by Little Simz and Cleo Sol
Reading: ‘How To Stop Time’ by Matt Haig
Watching: ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’, dir. Destin Daniel Cretton
