Interview to Bogdan Kass, founder and creative director of the conceptualist brand KASS

The vision of the fashion system through the eyes of the young designer who challenges and creates future trends.

KASS is a Ukrainian conceptual clothing brand founded in 2013 by the designer Bogdan Kass. Based on a unique aesthetic that combines shapes and structures, KASS clothes challenge the trends and standards imposed by the fashion system.
Since its launch, KASS has participated in more than 16 fashion shows, 9 of which during the Ukrainian Fashion Week. We had the pleasure of being able to ask the designer, creative director and founder of the brand, Bogdan Kass a few questions.

Bogdan Kass

Hi Bogdan, thanks for your time. Let’s start from the beginning, tell us what led you to found your brand.

My vision of fashion has always been cardinally different from the other people visions and even visions of the various brands. Therefore, I wanted to contribute to the fashion industry and show that design can be different. The main idea is that, even using familiar materials, you can generate many creative and non-trivial solutions. My concept of fashion and brand is based on conceptualism and I believe that the background of any smart brand should rely on concept. So, at certain point of my life path, I felt a great need to show my vision of future trends and share how I feel about fashion. Also, it was the desire to do something of my own that led me to the creation of the KASS brand, without relying on or drawing inspiration from already existing world fashion leaders.

What’s the concept behind KASS?

Brand KASS is always about conveying the brand’s position. The main point of every new project is the impact. This is the conceptual root of the brand, and this is what each new collection says. With our clothes we strive to convey to the viewer what is happening all over the world, without exaggeration. We focus on the influence of society, on all aspects of our life. If you tend to dress boldly, and you feel comfortable, don’t be ashamed of it. This is this position and origin of KASS brand. The ideology of KASS means – a ban on any framework and a true awareness of your inner thirst. The brand carries with it the concept of true individuality, the realization that the position and opinion of everyone is very valuable. It is important to be yourself, don’t act as your idol.

Which is the most significant item of your collection, the one that better represents your brand?

There is always something special every season that communicates the idea of the collection and the brand as a whole. Talking about the latest collections, I was very inspired by the raincoat material, with a visual sense of moisture, as well as bear specks and faux fur. Today I fell in love with denim, I think it has a little connection with the aesthetics of rave culture. Working with denim, we create bright and fresh items that, thanks to various details and accessories, become an object not only for everyday life.

Who does wear KASS?

KASS clothes are worn by people who are free and honest with themselves, people who are not shy about their style preferences. People who understand that the boundaries, imposed by society, is only in their heads! KASS clothes are worn by those, who are ready for the attention and reactions of the environment.

KASS has a very specific aesthetic. Where do you get the inspiration from?

I can say for sure that the source of my inspiration has never been nature, or something like that. I love to observe the architecture of the city, I love to travel, I love to contemplate something new – all this inspires me to develop and create – but definitely not clothes! I draw inspiration for creating a collection from my inner energy, thoughts and experiences. That is why all KASS collections are a reflection of my inner world, and every season it is radically changing.

Do you have a referring designer or brand?

From the beginning and till today I hadn’t been having referring designer. I try to concentrate only on my vision and not to fill my head with the other designers visions, but I respect them incredibly. Moreover, from the moment of brand foundation until today, I remain the only designer, founder and creative director of KASS brand. We have never used the services of other designers. During the existence of the brand, I have developed clothing sketches for various companies, brands and media people many times.

KASS is a conscious brand. Where is placed the production?

The work of KASS is based on a conscious attitude to the environment, which means the reasonable and rational use of resources in production process. Our production is located in Kiev, and we are very proud of our successes and aspirations. For more than two years, my production has been cooperating with major Ukrainian brands and designers. For my clothes, I really like to invent various processing of sewing knots and develop complex conceptual models. Perhaps that is why the best Ukrainian brands that also specialize in specific clothing began to use our services.

Which are your favorite materials used for the collections?

In my collections, I really like to use raincoat materials and wool. The most important criterion for fabrics is its texture. I prefer monochrome, more restrained and textured colours to bright and catchy colours! I also enjoy working with faux fur, denim, eco-leather and fabrics that tend to change their texture under the influence of external factors. I don’t really like colourful fabrics, for example, light-reflective ones. They are interesting of course, but I prefer when clothes attract attention not due to their colour, but due to their idea and meaning. As for the printed fabrics, here I am very picky and careful. I use only prints designed and drawn by me personally.

Which is the market that has given you the best answer, and which is the market where you’d like to be present?

I was pleasantly surprised by Berlin’s reaction to our clothes. Actually, KASS designs do not quite correspond to the market of our country, so we are forced to move in the western direction. Until the moment when the movement of persons and the transportation of goods across the borders became practically impossible, all over the world, we had a well-established dialogue with Berlin buyers, today the situation has changed a little. We are currently actively working with Not Just a Label, itch, etc. We are seriously aiming to strengthen our positions in the European market and are confidently moving towards this.

Where can we buy your collections?

If talking about the local level, of course, KASS clothes can be purchased in our showroom in Kiev, or on the brand’s social networks. For overseas clients, we are also available on social networks and on the Not Just a Label platform. We are very pleased that the KASS brand is among the 500 designers from all over the world who had the opportunity to create their own store on this platform. We are also currently working on creating our own online store for more effective international sales!

Where do you see your brand in 5 years?

Since I am very attracted to London, in 5 years I plan to have stable sales in one of the largest showrooms in this city. We also see ourselves in collaboration with some high fashion houses whose ideology is close to me. We also have big plans for New York, Berlin and Paris.