IN CONVERSATION WITH ENCOMMÚN
interview JANA LETONJA
ENCOMMÚN Official is releasing its latest collection LUCID on 24th September. Featuring 15 pieces, LUCID is an exploration of clarity amidst chaos and a bold commentary on female autonomy. It redefines the narrative, embracing a rebellious spirit that challenges traditional views of womanhood, and creates a space for women to explore their complexities and autonomy, offering a fresh perspective on identity and self-expression.
Can you share the inspiration behind your newest collection LUCID, and how it aims to transform traditional symbols of objectification into tokens of empowerment.
LUCID is a metaphor of sorts. Finding clarity in chaos and exploring the nuances of female autonomy. The collection transforms traditional symbols of objectification into expressions of empowerment by blending strength with vulnerability. Through humor and irreverence, it reclaims these symbols, offering a new perspective on autonomy and agency. It’s about breaking free from narrow definitions of womanhood, embracing playful defiance, and challenging conventional narratives to create space for complexity and self-expression.
The collection is described as a commentary on female autonomy. How do the pieces reflect this theme, and what message do you hope to convey to your audience?
The collection speaks to female autonomy through personal symbolism, yet what’s been most profound is how universally these themes resonate, with each woman interpreting them through her own lens. The recurring motif of hands, for instance, was originally intended to explore the casual invasions of physical space women often endure, whether it’s an uninvited touch or the expectation to be constantly accessible. When discussing this with a young mother, she reflected on the constant physical demands of motherhood, feeling overwhelmed by the loss of bodily autonomy. As a mother myself, I deeply understood this sense of depletion, where intimacy with your own body fades because it is constantly shared. This collection ultimately comments on the universal struggle for autonomy and the weight of cultural expectations that define womanhood across different experiences.
What elements of the LUCID collection signify the balance between strength and vulnerability, and how does this balance play out in the designs?
In the LUCID collection, the balance between strength and vulnerability is expressed through contrasts in materials and silhouettes. For example, a chainmail cape with a strong, padded shoulder exudes power, while its open back introduces a sensual, unexpected twist. The interplay of structure and softness redefines sensuality on the wearer’s terms. Similarly, the Hands dress, a wool-silk sweater, stands tall with artwork symbolizing the tension of constant physical handling, reflecting both emotional and physical resilience. Each piece embodies the duality of power and sensitivity, challenging conventional notions of femininity.
How does LUCID mark a new direction for ENCOMMÚN Official, compared to previous collections that explored masculine and feminine energies?
While earlier collections were inspired by external sources and art movements, LUCID is deeply personal. It reflects my own thoughts on female autonomy during a time when it feels especially undermined. Masculine and feminine energies are more than visual elements, they are central to the emotional narrative of this collection.
You mentioned that this collection is more personal and introspective compared to previous collections. How have your personal experiences and reflections influenced its creation?
Growing up in a male-centric culture, I felt a constant push to defy expectations placed on women. Moving to the States, I realized this wasn’t unique to my environment but a shared experience for women everywhere. This collection reflects my personal journey of processing those realizations and exploring the collective struggle for autonomy through absurdity and levity.
Could you discuss some specific pieces from LUCID that you feel are particularly impactful or representative of the collection’s theme?
Two standout pieces are the "Little Box Skirt" and the "Chainmail Pasties Bra". Both use absurdity to shift the narrative. The chainmail fringe skirt, with its sheer material and square shape, plays on the vulnerability of the female form while using humor to block or cover it, reclaiming control. The "Chainmail Pasties Bra" flips the concept of medieval armor, into a barely-there defense of modesty. Both pieces could also work as accessories, highlighting that sexuality is just one aspect of womanhood, not the whole story.
ENCOMMÚN Official has a strong commitment to sustainability. How does LUCID continue this commitment, particularly with the use of luxurious yet eco-friendly fabrics?
LUCID builds on our core assortment by incorporating new fabrics like cotton, merino wool, and wool/silk blends, all natural and perfect for year-round wear. The collection is entirely made in LA, reducing our carbon footprint to its lowest yet. We’ve also embraced zero-waste design with our first piece made from silk scraps, a crochet silk bucket hat, reflecting our ongoing commitment to sustainability.
For those unfamiliar with ENCOMMÚN Official, can you elaborate on how the brand’s unique blend of English and Spanish cultures influences your designs and vision?
The blend of cultures at ENCOMMÚN stems from my early upbringing in Buenos Aires, where the city's architecture and culture left a lasting imprint on my design sensibilities. When I moved to the U.S., I found new ways to merge those influences, creating a brand that’s rooted in contrast, relaxed yet refined, bold yet nuanced. This cultural duality drives the vision and shapes the collections.
How do you ensure that your commitment to environmental and social responsibility is reflected in every aspect of your brand’s operations?
Being a small independent brand allows us to stay true to our core values, which guide how we operate and allocate resources. This approach ensures that each collection we produce maintains the high standards we’ve set for ourselves.
Looking ahead, what future themes or concepts are you excited to explore in upcoming collections?
Exploring a more personal narrative has been really energizing and opens up endless possibilities. Who knows, maybe I’ll dive into a collection about aliens next! It’s all about pushing boundaries and seeing where the creative process takes me.
