diydivas.myfastforum.org

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 4:32 am

Tell me about yourself.

My name is Yasmin. I’m half Belgian, half Syrian and I live in Belgium, Antwerp. I’m a 24 year old art science student, and currently working on my dissertation about western and oriental fashion influences. I’m a huge collector of vintage : books, magazines, photos, bags, furniture…I can spend hours and hours looking for treasures on markets and thrift shops. I love things that have a history, but I’m also crazy about new media: I taught myself how to make 3d models and vector art and I ‘m always experimenting with new techniques ( printing, resin, etc). I wear my own creations, so I guess you can say my style is quite funky and extravagant, but I’m the quiet and observing type, a shy dreamer…I love contradictions!

What do you make? What are your favorite materials to work with? What is your favorite color?

I call myself a “restyler”. I restyle handbags, shoes and clothing. Some items go through four or five make overs before I’m satisfied about their look. I’m always looking for interesting shapes or materials to start with. Usually , go through my collection of bags, fabrics, beads or pictures and I pick one item that inspires me to create something new. Most of my creations are a mix of vintage and new. I don’t have a specific preference for materials, i try to be creative with what I have. I started making jewellery recently and I do like the endless possibilities of resin! I enjoy creating my own charms for my jewellery. My favourite colours change every day, depending on my mood! Right now it’s red.

Where can people purchase your goods?

I have my personal website http://yasminbochi.com and I have an etsy shop http://yasminbochi.etsy.com. Some of my creations are currently on display at ‘Slem’ in Antwerp.

what is your favorite thing you have ever created?

That would be the first “ Around the world in 80 stamps bag”. I It was a black vintage back, granny style, which I absolutely adore. . It started as an experiment, because I had never used postage stamps before, and then became my trademark. I still use it a lot!

What is the worst thing you have ever created?

I once tried sew bag myself. It was a complete disaster, leopard fabric on one side and black denim on the other, croissant shaped. I never tried to design a pattern myself after that. I still have it though, it’s my nail polish bag.
I don’t have a picture of it...it’s too ugly!

What inspires you to create?

I think my studies have influenced me a lot. My dream was to become a fashion designer. I applied several times for the Fashion Academy of Antwerp, but failed. I decided to study art science instead, but it’s only then that I started to create things myself. Thanks to my studies I’ve become a walking art encyclopedia, I’ve looked at millions of images of paintings, architecture, sculptures , etc and of course this has a big influence on my style : i’m very concentrated on the visual aspects. I want to create real eye catchers!

Who is the most important person in your life?

My fiancé, but my family is also very imporant. I’m still at home and so is my younger sister ( 22 ), we are a very close family.

Do you have any advice for other DiY designers?

Believe in yourself and take your time. I’ve been doing this for a few years now, and slowely but surely I’m getting more confident and I get more response, it’s growing. And you have to give yourself a chance to grow. Learn from others, and learn from your own experiences, the bad and the good ones.

Who is your favorite DiY designer?

There are so many talented diy designers, I really couldn’t name just one!

What is your favorite film/music/book/artist?

My favourite film is Return to Oz. I know it’s a kids film, but it’s the most unique film I’ve ever seen. I love reading, I can’t name one favourite book but I enjoy Latin American literature ( Marquez, Allende ) and a bit of Stephen King once in a while. I love long stories and big books!
I love all kinds of music, from 80’s and 90’s r&b (keith sweat, swv, loose ends) to deep house, funky house and nirvana. I also love mixed influences like Salon Oriental, Buddha Bar and Café Del Mar.

I don't have one favourite artist, but i'll name a few : i really like Matisse, Modigliani, Van Dongen, the fashion plates for Paul Poiret by Lepape & Barbier, the floral Art nouveau style of Horta, Guimard and Klimt and the beautiful ladies of Vargas.

Contact Yasmin Bochi Designs on Diy Divas!
yasminbochi

Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2007 4:33 am

j'adore les jeans! Je voudrais voyager a Paris maintenant <3

Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Antwerp-Belgium

Thank you so much for the interview Kristin! Very Happy