We are proud of the achievements of Dr Kęstutis Lekeckas, Associate Professor of the Arts Academy of the Faculty of Arts and Education of Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI), designer. The Lithuanian designer won a gold award at the prestigious International Design Awards (IDA), which took place in Norway and brought together creators from more than 30 countries around the world. The Time Traveler collection was distinguished for its original approach to sustainable fashion, personal identity and stylistic diversity.
The sustainable costume idea created by Associate Professor Dr K. Lekeckas has already been evaluated in the 2021 A‘ Design Award & Competition, and in 2022, the fashion house leKeckas was awarded the Designer Clothing Retailer of the Year title at the Baltics Prestige Awards. In the same year, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania granted the designer status of an art creator.
About creativity, values and work with students – in this interview.
– You are a visionary of sustainable fashion design and have already won several important awards for your collections. What does this IDA Gold Award mean to you?
– This is a pleasant assessment, once again confirming the expediency of the chosen creative path. It gives me confidence in my own strength and belief in what I do. However, I do not attach importance to assessments – the most important thing is that I do what I love.
– The theme of the collection Time Traveler is very unique. How did its idea come about?
– My creative direction is constantly related to the themes of slow fashion, sustainability and personal identity. The initial idea for this collection was different, but when I started taking photos in a specific context – among vintage cars and master workshops – the idea of time travel was born. The contrast between old objects and a modern image became the axis of the collection. Each location became a separate ‘time stop’. In this way, I sought to reveal the vision of a sustainable costume – fashion that is independent of time.
– We are used to seeing young models in the fashion industry, but your collection breaks stereotypes. Why did you choose to use recycled materials and an older model?
– This choice is a conscious message. I used leftovers and waste from interstitial materials – this is a sustainable practice that promotes an understanding of new aesthetics. Choosing an older model is another message: fashion has no age limits. I am convinced that every stage of life can be stylish and creatively expressed.
– You often talk about design as a social act. How can fashion change society?
– Fashion is a reflection of society. Designers, in a certain sense, shape the cultural and social field. It is very important to show that there is no single rule – everyone can find the right stylistic direction for themselves. There are no frames or restrictions – everyone is free to choose what best reflects them.
– Society is increasingly turning to the importance of sustainability. How do you think the attitude towards sustainable fashion is changing in Lithuania and Europe?
– Awareness is growing. More and more people are choosing responsibly, but, of course, there are also practical aspects – price, availability, deadlines. This sometimes becomes a higher priority than values.
– In the field of creativity, not only is knowledge important, but also the ability to find your own unique path. What do you aim to convey to students at the Academy of Arts?
– Many things, from fashion history to the development of creative ideas. I think the most important thing is to be open, try a lot and not be afraid to experiment. Only in this way can you refine your own image as a creator.
Photos: Dr K. Lekeckas’ personal archive and Miglė Golubickaitė
