Where Are They Now? - João Silveira
- Generation XX
- Apr 23, 2020
- 3 min read
João graduated Solent University in 2019 with his Graduate collection based on this mission statement:
In times of uncertainty, we are witnesses to acts of bravery and revolution all around the globe. It is time to be a warrior. Inspired by the activist generation that now arises, this collection envisions a duality between the feudal Japan samurai warrior and all the layers that accompanied being a soldier, and the many ways that the youth of today is protesting to create a better world. Whether the fight is on human rights, environmental issues or political instability, it is up to us to shape the future we desire to live in.
The collection was made out of mostly leather, jersey and denim, and the prints all graffiti closeups from the inside of a glass phone booth. “It’s an under layer of the paint as the graffiti was on the outside of the phone booth and I was inside”. The demon faces were all spray painted by hand with stencils.
João reflected on his own graduate show and explained the importance of professional models that best reflect the collections of the designers – something we planned to focus on in the organisation of the 2020 Graduate Show.
“It was a really proud moment seeing your collection actually walk down the catwalk. The show is a very pivotal point for all of us as it's the proof of all the work we've done through the year.”
João was also lucky enough to get an invitation back to Solent to showcase his collection at a black-tie event. Even though it was a small event, he said the positive reaction gave him a boost to do more things.
After university, João landed an internship in Japan for six weeks, working for a PR company. He then moved back to Southampton to recollect himself and get back on his feet as Japan was very expensive. He explained how he hasn’t been looking for jobs in Fashion Design as he plans to head back to Japan within the year. He is currently working on his portfolio and learning Japanese with the intention on building his career when he returns.
In addition to this, João is helping to produce costumes for a theatre play in Portugal, even though he is still currently based in Southampton. The play centres on a daytime TV show, and the drama between the presenters and staff. “It is very modern and subdued but it is a comedy”. He explains how the lockdown has prevented him from sewing but he is still drawing, and practicing his Japanese although his plans to move have been put on hold.
We want to thank João for this post, and to wish him the best of luck with his plans for the future and upon moving to Japan! Follow João's design Instagram account @_patroclus
This marks the last post in our “Where are they now?” series. If you’d like to catch up on the rest, follow the links below:
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We hope you have enjoyed this post and check out our self-care advice post for being in isolation.
For now, stay safe, and see you soon! x
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