Part 1
HOW IT STARTED...
In 2017 I decided to start embellishing garments I had in my wardrobe to give them a higher quality feeling through adding detail and making them unique 1of1 pieces.
Not be able to afford the garments I lusted after forced me to create my own concepts and lane, fusing art with fashion through what I see on a daily bases, influenced solely through my experiences and enviroment.
The want for my art to be noticed pushed me to share what I was creating, I decided to do so under the name 'XEN' a play on my first name 'Zain' and it has fast become my creative alter ego.
Part 2
EARLY YEARS...
In the early years I was juggling working full time, university and creating pieces for myself to wear. People then began asking for custom pieces whilst I was teaching myself how to use a sewing a machine, the techniques of sewing by hand and how to graphic design through Adobe Photoshop.
This allowed me to create all my own logos/designs and create artwork for family or friends. These skills proved valuable as I could now create my brand (XEN) without having to outsource anything.
It took me way too long to realise that what I was creating had legs and could be something beyond being a hobby. Working on garments and creating digital designs I was beginning to find my own lane, staying unique with my creations whilst appealing to current trends.
Part 3
XEN NOW...
Once I established what the brand stands for I decided to focus on a more artistic approach and focus on creating 1of1 wearable art pieces, releasing them through themed collections.
The 'Military Collection' is my first attempt at that, taking me a year to complete the collection, every piece is a 1of1 art piece, up-cycled and brought to a couture standard whilst keeping its history. I was influenced by the functionality and quality of the garments and accessories and the history the second hand pieces hold.
Another side of the brand will focus on graphic design work and working with manufacturers to bring pieces out in limited quantities, coming soon...