Interview with the designer Ugne Martinaityte

Ugne Martinaityte is a Lithuanian freelance designer and also she is the founder and Creative Director of OHMY brand. This is our exclusive Q&A with her. Interview by Raminta Speciute.

When did you decide that you want to be a designer?

This idea was always in my head. I have been designing clothes since I was 13 years old. I took part in many competitions for young designers when I was at school and all of my free time was dedicated to that passion. So I think that I always knew what I wanted to be, but I had my doubts, because I couldn’t believe it can be so easy to know what I want to do in my life.

What is the first thing you designed and for who (yourself, a friend…)?

I believe the first thing I have designed was a dress that I had to make for school project. Well, I don’t remember if it was the first thing that I have designed, but it was very memorable, because I had to present it in public.

Who’s the first person you show your sketches to?

Usually it’s a person that is very close to me, a family member or a friend, if I am sketching my personal collection. But I am always trying to keep it a secret, until the collection is finished and they can see the final result.

Where do you go or do for inspiration? Who inspires you the most?

I like to do something that makes me feel feelings that I can’t experience every day. Extreme sports or other activity can make you see the world differently, sometimes talking with people can give you similar kind of feeling. After that I have full head of ideas and feelings that I want to translate to other people through the power of fashion.

How does inspiration turn into reality? What is your creative process?

I try to put all my ideas on paper. I make sketches, write some main phrases, go out to look for fabrics and then I need my silent space to make the magic happen.

Do you have any trick to avoid that “blank page” moment when you’re at the beginning of the designing of a new collection? Do you watch a movie, flip an old magazine…?

It always takes time to start, because there are so many ideas in my head and I need to make a plan where to start. At these moments I like to listen to music with some art books and magazines around me.

Who’s your muse, your icon, when you create an outfit?

Before starting new collection I always picture a person that I am making clothes for. It can always be a different one, but always very strong and colorful personalities.

How would you describe your design aesthetics?

Minimal, architectural, androgynous, sporty.

Is there any particular detail/fabric/element/… that you use repeatedly in your designs? If so, why?

I use stiff materials, because shape and strength of silhouette is very important in my designs.

If you had to design an entire collection using just one color, which is the one you would pick?

I already had and it was black.

If your clothes had a soundtrack, which songs, artist or composer you would choose?

Vitalic.

The fabric you love the most: silk, lace, velvet..?

Jersey.

Could you describe a woman/man who would wear your designs?

My clients are all very different from each other. But the one thing in common is that they all are not afraid to show their individuality.

What are your plans for the future in fashion design? Are you preparing any new concepts or collections right now?

My plans are big and I hope they will come true one day. I am working on it.

Ugne Martinaityte’s page: www.ugnemartinaityte.com, OHMY brand’s page: www.ohmy.lt

Photos by: Kristina Bondar, Tomas Adomavicius, Vsevolodas Kovalevskis, Ignas Jurkynas