18
In a modern fashion landscape marked by lightning-fast trend cycles and mass production, slow, thoughtful fashion has become increasingly rare. ENCOMMÚN Official was born from a desire to not only embrace timelessness and authenticity, but to capture the essence of modern human identity—complex, multifaceted, and beautifully contradictory. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the creative minds behind ENCOMMÚN Official, exploring how founders Deborah Barton and Lisa Liberati infuse these concepts into their designs, maintain a commitment to sustainability, and the personal journey that has shaped their inspiring partnership. Join us as we uncover the artistry and ethos that define ENCOMMÚN and its place in the fashion industry.
- ENCOMMÚN prides itself on organic graphicness, masculine femininity, and elegant casualness. Could you talk us through these concepts and how they manifest in ENCOMMÚN’s pieces?
Lisa Liberati: Both Deborah and I are drawn to the idea of polarity and love how you can organically represent it with your fashion choices. All of our main themes within the line express this. For example we offer a range of garments that play with contrasts— think strong shoulders juxtaposed with delicate fabrics, or bold 3D graphic textures in organic, curvy shapes. And for a touch of glamor, we have chic chainmail that can be layered over a casual sweater or tee. At ENCOMMÚN we embrace the complexity of human identity, where we can embody seemingly contradictory traits. Shouldn’t our clothing reflect that same fluidity? - With fast fashion being a massive presence in the industry today, how do you maintain a commitment to sustainability and ethical production practices? How important is it to the brand’s identity?
Deborah Barton: It’s not simply about following a sustainable model; it’s about remaining truthful to our core values. Our approach involves small batch production and made-to-order pieces to avoid overproduction. Manufacturing domestically, prioritizing a low carbon footprint in our decisions, investing in the welfare of our artisans, and sourcing high-quality materials are fundamental principles that Lisa and I prioritize. These values not only shape but define our brand’s identity. - How has your personal relationship with each other grown through your work with ENCOMMÚN?Lisa: Deb and I started as mutual admirers, drawn together by our appreciation for each other’s work. Over time, that respect blossomed into a deep friendship that fuels our professional partnership. Our complementary skills perfectly balance each other out, allowing our business to thrive. We’re both incredibly excited for what the future holds, both for our personal growth and the continued success of our company.
- Deborah— How has your upbringing in Buenos Aires shaped your perception of the dialogue between art and fashion? Did it shift upon your move to the United States?
Deborah: My upbringing in Buenos Aires for sure shaped that perception at a subconscious level. Moving to the States provided me with a language to articulate these observations and explore them more profoundly. - Lisa— how has your background in film led you to fashion and impacted your journey with ENCOMMÚN?Lisa: In the film industry, I learned the importance of prioritizing the story, and it served as a grounding force for everyone involved. At ENCOMMÚN, Deb and I strive for a similar approach with our collections. We design timeless pieces that focus on quality and design continuity, ensuring our story unfolds cohesively across each collection.
- Fashion is very cyclical, with the trend cycle only increasing in speed in recent years. How does ENCOMMÚN build upon existing pieces and create unique yet timeless staples that do not succumb to the chaos of rapidly shifting popularity?
Lisa: Fast fashion trends can be fleeting but at ENCOMMÚN, we focus on creating timeless staples that transcend seasonal trends. We achieve this by prioritizing quality materials and classic design elements that ensure our pieces remain relevant for years to come. Our collections build upon each other, allowing customers to curate a wardrobe that reflects their personal style and evolves with them over time. - Please talk us through your creative process in cultivating ENCOMMÚN’s campaigns and pieces.Deborah: My creative process is very organic in nature. I look inwards and tune into what is speaking to me at that moment. I analyze the elements that intrigue me and then dive into extensive research to learn more about the subject and its existing discourse. My goal is always to approach the subject from a fresh perspective and contribute something meaningful to the conversation.
- Perception 002 pushed the boundaries of negative space and line work. What do you hope to explore with your upcoming collection?Deborah: The work is rooted in exploring perceived realities. I am deeply fascinated by the nature of consciousness and the unseen layers of reality that exist beyond our immediate perception. This ongoing exploration drives my creative process and remains central to the work. The biggest shift in this upcoming collection lies in the approach I’m taking. Instead of focusing solely on external concepts, I’m channeling the thoughts and emotions that have been resonating with me deeply, bringing a more personal narrative to this collection.
- What would you say have been your biggest inspirations and challenges in designing ENCOMMÚN’s upcoming collection?Deborah: The biggest inspiration for the upcoming collection came from exploring the emotions surrounding modern womanhood. The challenge lies in articulating these observations and emotions authentically, safeguarding their focus on universal human experiences rather than being overshadowed by external narratives.
- What’s next for ENCOMMÚN? What do you envision the brand becoming as it continues to grow?Deborah: We are preparing to launch our latest collection in early Fall, and are exploring new collaborations. We will continue to explore this medium and expand on its viability as an artform, becoming a model for other designers and artists to follow. We believe the industry benefits from an approach that prioritizes creative exploration over formulaic trends.
Presented by APG