Aitor Throup

He is a rising star in the world of fashion. Well, I should correct myself: He IS a big star!
He's all over Dazed and Confused Mag, this month he's all over Japan.
I have actually met Aitor at ITS #5 ( International Talent Support). This is the most influential and prestigious competition for fashion designers in the world.
I am very proud that I made it into the finals, because it was the biggest recognition I could possibly get. ( In Slovenia I only get recognition from the yellow press, who write mostly about slovenian celebrities who appeared at my shows and what they wore, while the so called fashion experts sniff the white powder and serve drinks on the international flights..)
Anyway, I worked really hard for around 6 months on my portfolio and on my collection.
From among 950 portfolios from all around the globe, I was chosen along with 19 others to present myself at the final fashion parade. Most of the finalists were from only 3 schools: Royal College, Central St. Martins and Antwerp. I will say also that the jury was composed of people like the head of Galliano's design studio, creative director of Diesel, and so on... as you can see, they were experts in the fashion field, not some kmetje.
Aitor happened to arrive on the spot just after me. He started to unpack his collection and put it on the rack and when I saw his clothes....Its hard to explain how I felt. I knew he was the winner!!
And he did win.
His collection was simply amazing, fresh, well made, innovative, wearable and smart. "When hooligans become hindu gods" was the title of the collection.
I must mention the fact that Aitor was also an extremely good looking (argentinian origin) guy ( straight even, can you imagine), and a very simple, accessible person.
Actually all of the finalists were like that. No ego-tripping, no negative energy.. They knew why they were there, they felt no need to show off, or to look at someone with envy. It was a pleasure to spend 4 days with them in Italy.
This experience of ITS5 made me think a lot afterwards, gave me the hope, the confirmation that I am as good as the world class designers. That one day I will end up somewhere I belong. That I will make it as well. Abroad.