Introducing Deborah Artaza Barton and Lisa Liberati: The Visionaries Behind ENCOMMÚN
In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, few brands manage to capture the essence of artistry and sustainability quite like ENCOMMÚN, co-founded by Creative Director Deborah Artaza Barton and Lisa Liberati. With roots in both the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires and the creatively rich culture of the United States, Deborah brings a unique perspective that infuses every piece with a narrative that spans continents and cultures. Her upbringing and experiences shape the artistic vision that drives ENCOMMÚN, encouraging a shift toward timeless fashion while challenging conventional norms.
Joining Deborah is Lisa Liberati, a dedicated supporter of artists and creative endeavors, whose extensive background in the film industry has equipped her with a keen understanding of storytelling in all its forms. Their collaboration began on the set of an M. Night Shyamalan film, where their shared admiration for artistic vision laid the foundation for ENCOMMÚN. Together, they have embarked on a mission to create a brand that doesn’t just produce clothing but rather cultivates a “Collector Culture,” inspiring individuals to build wardrobes filled with narratively rich and meticulously crafted pieces.
Their latest collection, Perception 002, delves deeper into the exploration of spatial insight and functional design, experimenting with negative space and redefining classic silhouettes. As Deborah articulates, the philosophy of ENCOMMÚN centers on the idea of exploration rather than mere seasonal trends—each piece is designed to foster personal connections and resonate with those who appreciate the artistry behind fashion.
As ENCOMMÚN continues to reshape the nexus of fashion and art, the unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and creative expression shines through, making them a compelling presence in today’s fashion narrative. Join us as we delve into an insightful conversation with Deborah and Lisa, uncovering the inspirations, challenges, and aspirations that define ENCOMMÚN.
IN CONVERSATION WITH DEBORAH + LISA
Deborah, with your rich cultural background from Buenos Aires and Lisa’s experience in supporting artists in the film industry, how do these personal and professional influences converge in shaping ENCOMMÚN Official’s distinctive creative vision and storytelling approach in fashion?
Deborah: My early years in Buenos Aires significantly influence the visual style of ENCOMMÚN, with inspirations drawn from the city’s neoclassical architecture and the porteño lifestyle, which is relaxed yet sophisticated. Lisa’s extensive experience in the film industry, working with creative talents and understanding the artistic and business sides of creativity, has brought a unique perspective to our brand. Together, we merge these influences to create a brand that views fashion as an art form, emphasizing a cross-cultural essence and a spirit of resilience, grit, and unapologetic confidence. This convergence shapes our storytelling approach, infusing each collection with deep cultural narratives and artistic exploration.
Lisa, as someone who has worked extensively with artists and creatives, how do you see ENCOMMÚN’s commitment to experimentation with materials and garment making as a means to redefine the artistry behind fashion, reflecting the essence of the brand’s ethos and mission?
To me, experimenting is essential to creativity. My experience in the film industry taught me how to value that and not be intimidated by it. I really try to protect that for Deb so that our business bottom line doesn’t overtake her passion to create. I feel our new collection being released this fall will be our best example yet of how far we are willing to go to show you something new not just from us but from fashion.
Deborah, could you illustrate a specific instance where your Argentinean heritage or experiences from the vibrant city of Buenos Aires directly inspired a collection or design element within ENCOMMÚN, showcasing the brand’s unique cultural DNA and international flair?
Deborah: One specific instance is the use of geometric details and long column-like silhouettes, both characteristic of the neoclassical architecture prominent in Buenos Aires, where I grew up. These elements have become strong visual identifiers of the brand’s eathetic.
Lisa, drawing from your background in collaborative film projects and your admiration for Deborah’s work, how does this partnership manifest in the innovative and visually striking concepts seen in ENCOMMÚN’s collections, especially when translating ideas from the screen to the realm of fashion?
Lisa: I think something I learned and treasured about my experience in the film industry was the dedication to telling the story. It was always the most important thing and an amazing grounding force for all involved. At ENCOMMÚN Deb and I are trying to do something incredibly similar between each of our collections. Our focus was to make timeless pieces that would last both in a quality and design perspective and continue the story we began from our first collection.
In Perception 002, the collection explores spatial concepts and deconstructs traditional elements to introduce fresh perspectives on classic pieces. Can you walk us through the thought process and creative journey behind reinventing garments like the t-shirt dress and incorporating unconventional design elements like chainmail in this collection?
Deborah : The main inspiration came from the 1970s Light and Space art movement, which prompted questions about perception and how light and space influence our perceived reality. Chainmail, with its reflective nature and flexible structure, served as the perfect catalyst for this exploration, inherently alternating between negative and positive space. Pieces like the T-dress are perhaps more conceptual interpretations. By playing with scale and whimsy, can we influence its perceived function? The through line being humor and curiosity.
ENCOMMÚN emphasizes the culture of collecting and shifts away from disposable fashion towards timeless, story-rich pieces, reflecting a broader message of sustainability. How do you see this focus resonating with today’s fashion consumers, and what impact do you hope to make within the industry with this approach?
The public is oversaturated with conflicting messaging on sustainability, but they are still interested. The new generations of consumers want to feel good about their purchases. Our approach emphasizes longevity and, despite being in the luxury sector, encourages frugality. We want consumers to invest in pieces they will love, wear well, and last beyond a season. Ideally, this shift towards timeless, story-rich pieces can be adopted more broadly, cultivating a cleaner approach to fashion.
Deborah, the philosophy of exploring ideas over chasing seasonality speaks to a deeper narrative of longevity and creativity in fashion. How does this philosophy align with ENCOMMÚN’s mission to create pieces that forge personal connections and inspire collectors with a keen eye for artistry and design?
Deborah : Things move so fast in fashion, but our focus is on the clothes, the exploration of ideas, and the furthering of the craft. With our deliberate pace, the results are inevitably engaging and intriguing. This philosophy allows us to create pieces that resonate on a personal level.
Lisa, as ENCOMMÚN continues to define the convergence of fashion and art, could you elaborate on the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and self-expression, especially within the context of a collection like Perception 002 that pushes boundaries and blurs traditional fashion boundaries?
Lisa: In our initial talks when forming our company we spoke about how so many different forms of art inspired us, challenged us to approach design differently and we have maintained that as our central theme for each collection. Weaving in things like Innovation, technology and sustainability have given our pieces longevity. We are striving for our ENCOMMÚN girl to connect with our pieces and have them forever.
The concept of Collector Culture at ENCOMMÚN signifies more than just a fashion movement—it represents a lifestyle and a mindful approach to curating personal style. How do you envision this culture evolving and influencing the way individuals perceive and interact with their wardrobes through ENCOMMÚN’s artistic creations?
Deborah: Collector Culture at ENCOMMÚN represents a shift towards viewing fashion as an art form and a mindful approach to curating personal style. We envision this culture evolving to influence individuals to see their wardrobes as collections of meaningful, story-rich pieces rather than disposable items. This cultural shift will not only impact how people perceive and interact with their wardrobes but also contribute to a broader movement towards sustainability and thoughtful consumption in the fashion industry.
Looking towards the future, how does ENCOMMÚN plan to build upon its established foundation of artistic exploration, sustainable practices, and innovative design to continue shaping the fashion landscape? Can you provide insights into upcoming projects or developments that will further solidify the brand’s position at the intersection of fashion and art?
Deborah: Looking towards the future, ENCOMMÚN is exploring new creative partnerships with the intention of further connecting the worlds of fashion and art. We are also gearing up for the launch of our next collection in the Fall of 2024. We are exploring new concepts and are super excited to share the new work!
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