A glimpse of Alpha males visually translated through fashion by Ziv Gil Kazenstein.

Ziv Gil Kazenstein is a London based Fashion Print Design graduate from Central Saint Martins. Ziv’s final collection is inspired by the different cultures in his family tree and how together they create a hybrid tribe. He looked into the idea of strong Alpha males, playing with the aesthetics of masculinity. In Ziv’s collection his passion for textiles, embroidery, print and colour are evident.

Written by Suzanne van Heerde

With a background in painting and illustration, he applied these skills to his collection creating a wide range of printed fabrics using a variety of methods. His love of fabric manipulation is also evident in his sumptuous over-sized textiles. During his studies Ziv has been able to hone his creative and technical embroidery skills working in India. He has also gained experience at Alexander McQueen, Viktor & Rolf and Diane von Furstenberg.

S: Do you feel that your vision on fashion and men have changed since you moved to London?

Z: Before I moved to London I used to paint. I wasn’t very interested in fashion or design, only when I moved to London and decided to study and do the foundation course at CSM, the interest in design and fashion started. I had a great time exploring it there and amazing tutors to guide me through.

S: Nature is a big part of your inspiration; do you feel the need to be surrounded by it whilst creating?

Z: I love nature and I love to be surrounded by it and to travel to places, I’m very fascinated by it. But when I design and illustrate I prefer to be in a more urban surrounding.

S: What is it that attracts you to design specifically for the Alpha Male?

Z: Everyone loves the idea of a strong man, there is something sexy and untouchable about him. He is a leader and not a follower.

S: Are there certain public figures that represent the type of Alpha Male you portray?

Z: No one specific I can think of. However, in my last collection the final styling of the looks was inspired by American Rappers, Tupac Amaru Shakur in particular.

S: Your models seem to be ever so manly despite the amount of pink and frills, is this an element were you try to make a statement? If so, where does that thought come from?

Z: A very big part of my research included Kurdish traditional costumes and old images of Kurdish warriors. I absolutely loved the Kurdish warriors. In every image I found that they were always over dressed in different prints and furs standing by different backgrounds looking very proud. Their garments always included a lot of fur and over sized silhouettes. I took that idea and started to create textiles that imitate fur and feathers, to create big shapes, big men/ warriors. I think that the over sized garment gave the models the tough look, I also think it made them feel tough, so I guess that big fluffy pink garments do make guys feel manly.

S: You mentioned that you wanted each of your looks to be able to stand alone but at the same time belong to the tribe. Does this translate the way you see yourself?

Z: I guess that in a way, yes. I think that individuality is a strength in people.

S: As you yourself are a hybrid of various cultures, would you say you are portraying a glimpse of the future?

Z: I sure hope so.

S: Describe the utopia in which these Alpha males would exist

Z: This is a big question; I guess it will be a future with no limits where they are the leaders of society. They will be the strong tribe who rule the world.

For more info: Ziv Gil Kazenstein