Paula Mihovilovic creates couture from the fashion trendsetters of her past.

Fashion is often referred to as a vessel for personal renewal, holding the power to shed, inhabit and experiment with different identities. But Paula MihovilovicAlumni collection at Central Saint Martins He proposed an alternative: people would be forever hated by the onlookers of their past, despite their efforts to adorn and disguise themselves. On the runway, they loom over the models in free-floating, slinky body doubles from jungle, slinky dresses and disco leggings. Everything was mish-mash of historical references, with Mihovilovic whipping sheer layers of fabric into an oversized ball gown, an organza hat and a transparent, photo-printed balaclava. “My collection marries our digital age with the golden age of dress,” she says. “I want to bring the glamor of the past into the present.” Think Charles James, accentuated by the holographic quality of an Instagram filter.

This false thread may have been first sewn by her parents, who were established Scandal A (then-famous, but now-defunct) fashion brand in the 90s. “I didn’t have many friends; “So I spent most of my time sitting in my parents’ studio and the seamstresses taught me to make dresses for my dolls,” she says. “On the one hand, I’m doing this for myself, and on the other hand, I’m doing this to honor my parents who fought so hard to make my dreams come true.” Mihovilović’s mother is now a 1,368-year-old vampire, she announced in Croatian class. Come to lunch with me. It’s a preternatural bloodline that seems to pop up in an obsession with designer murder mystery podcasts, vintage wedding dresses, and Slavic mythology — and that’s what got the attention. British Fashion Council and the Sarabande FoundationBoth helped support Mihovilovic’s studies.

Below, we find the designer updating couture, a One Direction fanfiction, and her decadent Scorpio tendencies.

How and why did you first get into fashion?

Paula Mihovilovic: Through my parents. They were the creators of the most famous clothing brand in Croatia. My father was a business minded man. My mother was a creatively minded partner. They were very busy and brought home a lot of their work. I didn’t have many friends back then, so I spent most of my time sitting in my parents’ studio with seamstresses teaching me how to make my dolls’ dresses. As I got older, I realized that I could dress myself as well as I dressed my dolls. I met as titans of fashion John Galliano And Alexander McQueen, and like them I decided to pursue fashion at a high level. On the one hand, I do it for myself, on the other hand, to honor my parents, who inspired me and gave me this opportunity to follow my dreams.

What are some obsessions you return to time and time again?

Paula Mihovilovic: My creations are focused on individual women. I enjoy seeing my designs on the most attractive woman you see on the street or at a party. Regardless of who she is, I want to highlight her beauty. I want to make the gloves, hat and dress that you wear. This focus on individuality drives me to practice millinery and couture.

I like to think that you can see my individuality and creativity in my work. I often present my work in my own avatar on Instagram. Instagram is where I explore my fantasy, whatever my day-to-day life may be. I design, I make, I style. I use the platform as a place to curate a look that I believe 100 percent represents myself and the women I want to dress. When I’m in doubt and lacking inspiration, I always like to go back to my IG account to focus myself.

Can you walk us through some of the inspirations behind your latest collection? What are some themes you wanted to address?

Paula Mihovilovic: My mood board consisted of Charles James, Charles James and Charles James with a hint of Cristobal Balenciaga. My focus was to interpret 1950s formal wear in a modern way. I wanted to bring the glamor of the past into the present; I did this by taking images from the 1950s and combining them with contemporary concepts in fashion. My collection marries our digital age with the golden age; I combine period-defining accessories, such as headscarves and jewelry, with contemporary clothing such as ski jackets and leotards. My inspiration is to bring the glamor of the 1950s to the streets of London, Paris and Croatia. It’s my dream to reinvent gowns and hoodies as joggers and bomber jackets.

What do you think people might misunderstand about your work?

Paula Mihovilovic: I want to make only big clothes.

Which pieces are generally totemic of the collection?

Paula Mihovilovic: The transparent layers I placed over the highly structured dresses created the illusion of added filters like the ones we use on social media.

When did you first realize the power of fashion? Did you have freckles when you were growing up?

Paula Mihovilovic: Growing up, my power clothes were wedding dresses. They really scared a lot of men with them.

Would you design Rishi Sunak’s next TV appearance for £10,000? lol what do you design?

Paula Mihovilovic: Yes, because I’m spoiled. A ballerina tutu topped off with over the knee boots!!

What’s the weirdest internet obsession?

Paula Mihovilovic: Murder Mystery Podcasts.

Most embarrassing picture/screenshot on your camera roll?

Paula Mihovilovic: A One Direction fan fiction series that I read seven years ago but haven’t put down yet.

The most recent note on your Notes app?

Paula Mihovilovic: Nuclear power plants in the Republic of Croatia yes or no? Disclaimer: I can’t remember the circumstances of writing that note…

Your weirdest comfort food?

Paula Mihovilovic: Salad with sugar on top.

Worst advice you’ve ever been given?

Paula Mihovilovic: My 93-year-old grandmother once told me, “Paulaaaaa, don’t give up until you’re in your late 30s!”

Who is your prophet?

Paula Mihovilovic: Peanut (fatal allergy).

What is your star sign and are you typical of this sign?

Paula Mihovilovic: It’s a Scorpio. A quick Google search says so. They do not shy away from confrontation and can surprise others with their brutal honesty. For better or for worse, that’s pretty accurate…

What’s the smallest thing you’ve ever done?

Paula Mihovilovic: I put laxatives in my flat milk, it’s well approved, trust me!!!!

What kind of panicked topic would you be?

Paula Mihovilovic: A costume artist is confronting her and me.

Who could be in your fantasy solid rotation? And your dream vague swirl?

Paula Mihovilovic: In my dream: Myself.

In my fantasy: Myself.

What could your ghost costume be?

Paula Mihovilovic: See-through Charles James “Clover Leaf” dress.

What do you think is the most likely to be deleted?

Paula Mihovilovic: Telling an inappropriate joke.

The title of your biography?

Paula Mihovilovic: 20 large gowns in my 20 square foot apartment.