Meet Jon Sanchez, a digital fashion designer from Barcelona, as he shares his creative journey and inspiration, along with his latest artwork created using Pantone’s Duality palette.
Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.
Hi, I'm Jon Sanchez from Irun (Basque Country) and I currently live in Barcelona. I worked for a few years as a video editor in Spanish television but didn’t feel fulfilled. Shooting fashion shows exposed me to brands from the inside, sparking my interest in fashion and 3D design, which ultimately led me to discover CLO. For the past four years, I’ve been immersed in digital fashion, creating my own designs and collaborating with brands like Balenciaga, GAP, Pronovias, Red Bull, and Cupra. I feel fortunate to continue learning and evolving in this dynamic field!
Artwork Overview:
This artwork presents a futuristic streetwear jacket set against a surreal interior. The floor, resembling rough volcanic terrain, contrasts sharply with the sleek, minimalist walls bathed in soft pink light from the sunset. The jacket, featuring striking panels of Mentholated and Black Robe colors, appears to float in midair, contributing to a dreamlike ambiance. A mirror in the background reflects the jacket, further enhancing the surreal atmosphere. Together, these elements create a sense of duality, harmonizing vibrant and dark tones in an avant-garde style.
What was the first thing that came to your mind when you were asked to create an artwork for the "Dualities feature" with Pantone?
I thought it was a fantastic idea! I always look at Pantone colors, so collaborating with them felt special. I focused on their concept of dualities, using similar tones for the background to create a cohesive vibe. I aimed to establish a contrast between the background and the garment. It was a lot of fun; I felt like a kid exploring something new, as I usually work with flatter backgrounds and darker colors.
Please tell us about the CLO features that were particularly useful when creating this artwork.
I utilized thickness features on this jacket, especially for the hard parts of the shoulders and sleeve ends. The set of thicknesses creates different effects, enhancing the overall design. The sewing tool and the various layers allow me to play with sewn parts and areas with holes, creating a sense of depth. I love the contrast between the background and the jacket; it draws more focus to the garment. After some time, I often find myself wanting to make adjustments, but I’m very happy with the final result.
Can you tell us more about your creative process when designing a new piece? What specific steps do you take from initial concept to final design?
Creativity is crucial in my process. I seek inspiration and immerse myself in references that resonate with my style. I usually start with hand-drawn sketches, then create the first base in CLO, refining it until I achieve the desired outcome. Often, I’m not satisfied with the finished design and start over until I find the right expression. This iterative process allows me to explore different ideas and push my creative boundaries.
How do current streetwear trends and personal experiences influence your designs?
It’s essential to stay alert to new influences while maintaining your style, as you may inspire others. Trends change quickly, and past concepts often return with a twist; fashion has a cyclical nature. Personally, I’ve always dressed in black, believing it enhances elegance. I like to use layers in my clothes to symbolize the barriers people have before letting others in. This blend of current trends and personal narrative shapes my unique approach to design.
Are there any particular designers or influences that inspire your creative process? How do they impact your work?
I admire many designers, especially in Japanese fashion, like Yohji Yamamoto and Hiromichi Ochiai. I’m drawn to Helliot Emil’s unique shapes and use of black, while Virgil Abloh has been a significant reference for his vision and impact on streetwear. Their innovative approaches inspire me to experiment with shapes and materials in my own designs.
How do you approach blending different materials and textures in your designs? How do you experiment with new materials?
I enjoy blending materials, particularly leather with nylon and metal accents. Each design calls for a different material, and I love trying unusual materials in unexpected contexts. Experimenting with textures allows me to create depth and interest in my pieces, making them more dynamic.
What role does technology, specifically CLO, play in your design workflow?
CLO is vital for my work; without it, I couldn't express myself digitally. All my creations are digital, making technology crucial for their realization. It allows me to experiment with shapes that would be complicated to create physically, enabling me to bring any idea to life!
How do you stay inspired and keep your designs fresh?
I focus on inspiration and step back to let ideas breathe, visualizing designs from different angles. Finding inspiration can be challenging, but everyday life often provides it. I also keep an eye on emerging trends and cultural shifts, which helps me stay connected to the evolving landscape of fashion.