ENG
FASHION DESIGNER
Mert Otsamo www.mertosamo.com
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SUOMALAINEN MUOTI
Kuva: Kanerva Mantila - Malli: Tutta / Brand model management
THE BEGINNING of Mert Otsamo's career was like a lucky accident. In 2009 a friend “forced” him to participate in a fashion TV show, the result of which was publicity. The original, dramatic artistic style and the distinctive untypical personality of this extraordinary young designer, representing multiple nationalities, began to become known. The young designer's interest in clothing, however, started already as a boy, when he was stuck in front of the television, watching the Independence Day Reception and the evening dresses. “I wished I could have stopped the images of beautiful dresses.” The boy spent much of his time with his actress mother in the theatres' wardrobes. There are also many talented artists and draughtsmen in the family. The designer's sculptural style has over the years increasingly evolved towards the more particular respect for the beautiful forms of the human body. “Not just the Independence Day Reception,” but also ready-made clothing for a demanding woman's everyday life. “At its best, I take over thirty measurements for on garment.” None of the Mert's designs is, therefore, a coincidence, but a result of exact and passionate work. Otsamo is describing his current source of inspiration. Transparency. Not only in materials, in which the fabric textures are displayed, but more widely as the descriptive feature of the entire life cycle of the garment. The material of glass and the elements of water fascinate and calm. Transparency and sustainability are the values that the designer respect. Mert speaks warmly of his team. The artist is supported by several sewers and stylists involved in the birth of the garment and who also export the designer's work to the attention of the consumers. Being visual is now of paramount importance when building brand recognition in social media. Artistic spirit does not shy away from commercialism - it is a lifeline. Business fashion, street and sports are as essential parts of the collection as the great avant-garde and formal wear. Mert Otsamo's story is only in its early stages. The Finnish fashion world may, however, like to thank the designer's friend. Perhaps, without that epochal TV show, our versatile talent would have oriented, for example, towards his childhood passion - the cartoons.