DAFES | Design, Art, Fashion, Education & Startups

Weekend Recommendation: Amphibian Man (1961) This Soviet romantic fantasy, directed by Vladimir Chebotaryov and Gennady Kazansky, is based on Alexander Belyaev’s sci-fi novel. While its storyline may feel naive today, the film is unforgettable for its outstanding cinematography, art direction, and costume design. Quentin Tarantino once praised it, saying: “The cinematography is so good you could watch it in color, black-and-white, or sepia—it’s breathtaking either way. The underwater scenes are pure poetry. Even with modest cameras, the images are magical. Anastasiya Vertinskaya looks like an angel, and the actors somehow managed to capture true romance under the water. I will remember Vertinskaya in this role for the rest of my life.” For Tarantino, who first saw the film as a child on American TV, Amphibian Man became a defining romantic sci-fi memory. A perfect weekend watch for those who love visual storytelling at its most lyrical! #WeekendRecommendation

DAFES CHOICE | July 2025 Andrey Trishechkin — “Freezing” (III place winner) This tabletop role-playing game immerses players in a frozen world of 2102, where the remnants of humanity roam the globe. The atmosphere is heavy with paranoia about alien threats, making survival a challenge both physically and psychologically. At the core of the gameplay lies a dynamic axis system, with each axis representing a defining character trait: energy, control, decision-making, and stability. This mechanic creates unpredictable, deeply human narratives where trust, fear, and resilience intertwine in a world on the edge of extinction. P.S. Specialists working in Game Development & Game Visuals spheres are warmly invited to submit their projects for the DAFES AWARDS! Deadline: October 12. #DAFESChoice #DAFESTalents

Masters of the Medium: Lotta Volkova Lotta Volkova (b. 1984) is one of the most influential stylists in contemporary fashion. After graduating from Central Saint Martins, her career took off super fast. She styled for Vetements, Balenciaga, Jean Paul Gaultier, and today, she is the creative force behind Miu Miu. Her collaboration with Miuccia Prada began in 2021 and quickly shaped a new era for the brand. In 2022, she delivered a viral sensation: the chopped-down chino miniskirt that became the emblem of Miu Miu’s revival, later named Dress of the Year. Her styling balances irony, provocation, and cultural sharpness. Her rare instinct for fashion and contemporary culture has already made Miu Miu’s sales soar by 97% in 2024! If you're passionate about Fashion Design, Photography, or Styling, don’t miss your chance — participate in DAFES AWARDS! Deadline: October 12. #DAFESLearning

Where To Find Design Inspiration? We’ve gathered 4 platforms offering thoughtful, well-curated references — from typography to web design. Each brings a unique professional perspective and can become a valuable compass in your creative growth: 1. Deziiign.com 2. The Glitch Gallery 3. Brutalist Websites 4. Awwwards Save this list, and subscribe for more inspiration! Working with digital products? Apply your projects to the DAFES AWARDS in nominations: Product Design, Web Design, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile App, CX (Customer Experience), Interface Design, and Creative Programming! #DAFESInspo

Girl with a Pearl Earring headphone cover CASETiFY has turned Johannes Vermeer’s timeless painting into wearable art. The Girl with a Pearl Earring headphone cover transforms its users into the famous muse from the Dutch Golden Age. The accessory wraps around the earcup, imitating the blue-and-yellow headscarf, while a delicate pearl pendant hangs exactly where Vermeer’s girl would have worn her earring. The accessory seamlessly merges fashion, technology, and art into a single collectible piece. This design illustrates how classical heritage can inspire modern product innovation—blurring the lines between art and design. Are you a fashion designer? Apply for DAFES AWARDS 2025 in the Fashion Design nomination. No entry fee, no age or nationality limits. Deadline: October 12. #InnovativeDesign #DAFESAwards

Weekend Recommendation: Book "Grace — A Memoir" Grace Coddington, the flame-haired visionary and former creative director of Vogue US, shaped some of the most unforgettable fashion images of the last decades. Known for her dramatic, narrative-driven photoshoots, she became an icon of imagination and discipline in the fashion world. Her memoir, Grace, is witty, candid, and richly illustrated with vintage photographs and her own line drawings. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the designers, models, and photographers she worked with — from Jerry Hall’s to... King Charles III. If you loved The September Issue, where Grace stole the spotlight with her no-nonsense approach and brilliant eye, this book will let you dive deeper into the stories and creative energy that made her legendary. If you are a Fashion stylist like Grace Coddington, don’t miss your chance — apply for the current DAFES Open Call before October 12! #WeekendRecommendation

OPEN CALL: SOUND DESIGN For the first time, DAFES AWARDS invites creators to shape its official sonic signature! The winner’s work will become the official audio identity of DAFES AWARDS ceremony and will receive a financial reward. The assignment includes: - Music & sound design for the official trailer (3–5 minutes); - DAFES audio logo — a short, recognizable brand sound; - Background music for the ceremony (5 minutes); - Two 15-second jingles for the awards ceremony. Key dates: — Entry deadline: 31 October 2025; — Jury voting: 1–5 November 2025; — Ceremony: 21 November 2025 in Moscow. This nomination is open to all, with no entry fee. Apply via the link! #DAFESAwards

OPEN CALLS DEADLINE Only 1 month remains until the DAFES AWARDS 2025 submission deadline! Don't wait until the last minute, apply today via the links below! We are accepting entries across 22 design nominations: - Font - Lettering & Calligraphy - Editorial - Poster - Packaging design - Infographics - Design-marketing - Identity & branding - Motion design - CX (Customer Experience) - Product design - Web design - Creative programming - Game visuals - Game development - Interface design - Artificial Intelligence - Mobile app - Fashion Brand - Fashion Design - Fashion Photography & Styling - Creative Entrepreneurship Deadline: October 12 Requirements: - Open to all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities - For students and professionals alike Let’s shape the future of creative industries together!

DAFES CHOICE | July 2025 Aleksandra Manovtseva — “Tunnel” (III place). The series was born when Aleksandra arrived in the U.S. One evening in Chicago, she was struck by the sight of glowing train windows cutting through a dark tunnel. Inside — passengers lost in their thoughts, each framed like a living portrait. For several months, Aleksandra returned “on the hunt,” capturing strangers who happened to cross paths for a fleeting moment. The essence of the project lies in its simplicity: no event, no emotion, no “decisive moment.” Instead, it reveals the quiet state of being — faces caught between two worlds, suspended in the interval from work to home. A meditation on time, space, and solitude, Tunnel turns everyday commuters into timeless characters. P.S. Photographers working in the Fashion sphere are warmly invited to submit their projects for the DAFES AWARDS via the link. Deadline: October 12. #DAFESChoice #DAFESTalents

Masters of the Medium: Johannes Itten Johannes Itten, one of the most influential yet eccentric Bauhaus teachers, shaped the foundation of modern design education. A Swiss-born theorist, he created the Bauhaus preliminary course, emphasizing intuition, experimentation, and the development of individual creative personality—rather than mere imitation of masters. His color theories, including the famous color star and the concept of seasonal types, remain relevant in art, fashion, and design today. But Itten’s story also has a darker side. A follower of the Mazdaznan cult, he introduced vegetarian diets and spiritual rituals into Bauhaus life, dividing the school and clashing with Walter Gropius. Despite controversies, his radical teaching methods transformed generations of artists, making him both admired and feared. Until his death in 1967, Itten continued to publish influential works on color and form, leaving behind a complex but enduring legacy. #DAFESLearning

New iPhone 17 Air Just one hour ago in the US, Apple unveiled its latest devices: new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods. Among them — the long-awaited iPhone 17 Air. This model marks the first major redesign since iPhone X (2017). The key features: 1. is just 5.6 mm thin; 2. Built with a space-grade titanium frame, lighter yet more durable; 3. Available in white, orange, and sky blue; 4. With 3 Apple’s most advanced cameras; 5. All-day battery life; 6. Powered by the new A19 Pro chip. Do you like the new design? ❤️ — if yes 👀 — if not #iPhone17 #DAFESNewsDigest

Alternatives to Pure Black in Digital Design Pure black (#000000) seems like the perfect choice — maximum contrast, maximum clarity. Yet, pairing it with pure white creates an overly sharp contrast that strains the eyes. Long reading sessions in such conditions often cause visual fatigue. The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) reminds us: contrast is not about making text as dark as possible. A 600 value against white meets accessibility requirements while ensuring a comfortable reading experience. Practical tip for text: — Headlines: 900 value for prominence without harshness — Body text: 600 value for readability in the long run Or at least try these gentler shades: #0D0D0D, #0A0A0A, #222222, #080808, #0F1111 Your readers’ eyes will thank you! Working with digital products? Apply your projects to the DAFES AWARDS in nominations: Product Design, Web Design, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile App, CX (Customer Experience), Interface Design, and Creative Programming! #DAFESLearning

Design Meets Neuroscience 'Sometimes', by Cambridge-based Studio Beyond, is a wearable head device designed to reduce stress through gentle electrical stimulation. Shaped like a sleek headband, it places electrodes against the skin to send safe pulses that may help balance mood and calm the nervous system. The project reimagines medical devices as lifestyle-friendly wearables. With its soft matte finish, adjustable elastic band, and discreet indicator light, 'Sometimes' blends engineering detail with everyday usability. Unlike traditional clinical tools, it requires no training — making stress relief accessible at home. Though still a concept, 'Sometimes' points to a future where design, science, and well-being converge seamlessly. Do you work at the intersection of creativity and business? Apply now for the DAFES AWARDS 2025, nomination Creative Entrepreneurship. Participation is free, with no limits of age, nationality, or professional level. Deadline: October 12. #DAFESAwards #InnovativeDesign

WEEKEND READING: CAPS LOCK by Ruben Pater If you are looking for a book that challenges your perspective on design and its role in society, “CAPS LOCK. How capitalism took hold of graphic design, and how to escape from it” is a must-read. Written in clear, accessible language, it explains the economic mechanisms behind design without jargon and illustrates them with real examples from six radical design collectives. The book explores how graphic design has been complicit in shaping capitalist systems—from coins and banknotes to branding, advertising, and interfaces—while also showing possible exit strategies and alternative practices. #WeekendRecommendation

"Never Perfect Enough" by Roman Zimogorskiy Winner of DAFES CHOICE June 2025 (3rd place)this project speaks of feminism and female rage. It draws on the 1950s suburban ideal of the “Stepford wife”: flawless hairstyle, dazzling smile, and.... no individuality. Curlers become the symbol of this patriarchal pressure — a sacrifice women made every night to meet society’s rigid standards. The collection is not just an echo of the past but a statement on contemporary female power, challenging historical pressures and shaping a new vision of independence. Now it’s your turn: apply for the Fashion Brand, Fashion Design, or Fashion Photography and Styling nominations of DAFES AWARDS 2025. Deadline: October 12. Don’t miss your chance to be seen, celebrated, and become part of the creative community shaping the future of fashion! #DAFESChoice #DAFESAwards

Weekly News Digest 1. Nano Banana by Gemini Google DeepMind introduced a new Ai image-editing feature in the Gemini app. It keeps your likeness consistent while letting you merge photos, change locations, or apply styles. 2. Sunshine at Haus Nowhere Perfume brand TAMBURINS in concept store Haus Nowhere (Seoul) unveiled a striking robotic installation, “Sunshine,” - a hyper-realistic giant dog in slumber guarded by two giant robots. Through the Sunshine AI Twin Look photo experience, guests can capture surreal portraits in matching outfits with the robotic dog, blurring the line between fashion, art, and technology. 3. The new top editor at American Vogue The rumors were true! Chloe Malle was announced to replace Anna Wintour. 4. Addio, Maestro! One of the most influential fashion designers of our time, Giorgio Armani, passed away yesterday at the age of 91. #DAFESNewsDigest

Awful news came from Milan – today died Giorgio Armani, not only the legendary designer who shaped the modern fashion, but a big philanthropist and patron of arts 🙏 In June we published the report from Armani Silos museum in Milan. You can still admire there a retrospective exhibition of his works for Armani Privè.

Winner of DAFES Choice June 2025 "LifeOS" by Timofey Petrenko is a text-based sandbox PC game that lets players explore the world through short commands in a terminal. The player drifts through events, collecting items, places, facts, or acquaintances — and combines them to unlock new events. The design embraces retro aesthetics: pixel graphics that echo the look and feel of early 1990s operating systems. Call for Game Designers: If you work in game design, you can apply for DAFES AWARDS 2025. Two nominations are open: Game Developmentand Game Visuals. Winners will gain recognition from the design community and valuable media visibility. There are no limits by age, nationality, or professional level. Entry is free. Deadline: October 12 — but don’t wait until the last moment, apply now! #DAFESAwards #DAFESChoice

Masters of the Medium: Gerhard Richter Gerhard Richter (b. 1932) is among the most influential living painters of the 20th century. His path to art began in childhood and, despite an academic education, he became best known for his abstract works. At the heart of his practice lies a dialogue between realism and abstraction. Richter worked alongside—but never fully embraced—the rapid succession of postwar art movements, from Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art to Minimalism and Conceptualism. He absorbed their ideas while remaining skeptical of any absolute artistic or philosophical credo. Shaped by the trauma of WWII and the repressive regime of the GDR, his art reflects the fragility of memory and history. By blurring and distorting images, he transformed photographs and media snapshots into paintings that speak of loss, society, and remembrance. #MastersOfTheMedium

Winner of DAFES Choice. June 2025 (3rd place) KaoYao by Luiza Grigoryan is a web art exploration of the cultural and linguistic peculiarities of kaomoji — the Japanese emoticon system that goes beyond standard symbols. By integrating body language into text combinations, kaomoji convey not only basic emotions but also subtle nuances: intonation, facial expressions, and gestures. Using the webcam on the site, users receive a kaomoji that matches their mood. Computer vision reads facial expressions in real-time, identifying the spectrum of emotional states, while the website’s algorithm generates complex composite kaomoji. Relying on unique descriptions of emotions in different languages, the Mistral language model suggests names and descriptions for the kaomoji. Are you working with motion design? Submit your projects to DAFES AWARDS 2025 in the Motion Design nomination. No age, nationality, or professional limits. Participation is free. The deadline is October 12. #DAFESChoice #DAFESAwards