Javier Andrés Girón Unveils Phygital Fashion with JNORIG at 080 Barcelona

In this special RED-EYE coverage of 080 Barcelona Fashion, we bring you exclusive interviews with distinguished designers, while our photographer, Rosario Rex Di Salvo, ventures backstage to capture the essence of models and looks. Additionally, we've employed AI co-creation to produce a series of images that offer an oniric interpretation of the event, creating a unique visual experience. Enjoy!

Welcome to our in-depth interview with Javier Andrés Girón, the innovative designer behind JNORIG, conducted during the vibrant showcase at 080 Barcelona Fashion. As a visionary in the realm of digital fashion, Javier integrates an expansive view of both the Earth and the cosmos into his design philosophy, creating a futuristic and socially evolved narrative through his collections.

At the heart of JNORIG lies the ambition to seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. By harnessing the power of metaverses, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, Javier is not just designing garments but is crafting entire worlds where these elements coalesce to redefine what fashion means in the digital age. His forward-thinking approach enables the creation of clothing that exists both in our physical reality and digitally—ushering in a new era of sustainable production processes and enhanced product quality through digital tools.

During the recent 080 Barcelona Fashion event, JNORIG captivated the audience not only with its innovative designs but also with a unique interactive experience. In a groundbreaking move, JNORIG, in collaboration with The Fabricant, offered attendees a glimpse into the potential of augmented reality in fashion. By scanning a QR code, guests were gifted a pair of AR digital try-on sunglasses, merging the tactile world with the digital in a display that was nothing short of revolutionary.

This interview with Javier Andrés Girón delves into his creative process, the integration of technological advancements in his work, and his vision for a future where digital and physical realms enrich one another, creating a more sustainable and imaginative approach to fashion. Join us as we explore how JNORIG is setting the pace for the next generation of fashion, where innovation meets tradition, and every creation is a step towards a more connected and digitally enhanced world.

Tell us about yourself and what inspired JNORIG and how you think it will influence the future of fashion and innovation?

I was born in Colombia and lived there until I was 12. I have very fond memories of my city Pereira and the environment where I grew up—the culture, music, food, energy, and people. My adolescence and personal development happened in Germany, to be more specific, in Frankfurt. This experience broadened my horizons. At a very young age, I was confronted with social rejection— in Colombia for being Colombian but not physically appearing so, and in Germany for being the immigrant who didn't fit in. This cultural clash shaped the way I see things. On one hand, there's always a desire to fit in, and on the other, an influence and interest in cultural aspects on an anthropological level.

My refuge was in art, painting, and video games. It was my way of entering a world I could control, a world without prejudices or rejections. When I envisioned creating my brand, it was founded on creating a universe where you can be yourself and be celebrated for it, regardless of where you're from, your origins, your skin color, or how you speak, regardless of your sexual orientation or political and religious preferences. JNORIG breaks down those borders—policing, religious, cultural. In JNORIG, there's only one race, and that's the human race.

With this more global view of the Earth and the universe, I delved into creating a more evolved world socially, with a vision towards the future and using technological and digital tools. JNORIG creates a bridge between tradition and innovation, paving the way for digital fashion. Metaverses, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence make it possible to create and visualize these worlds. My goal is to create clothing that you can wear both physically and digitally, to create more sustainable production processes thanks to technology, and better products thanks to digital tools.

Can you explain the innovative idea behind your latest collection and how it combines fashion and technology to set new trends?

In this collection, I wanted to integrate technological tools to create different products. Several accessories, such as glasses, bolo ties, rings, and even a dress, are entirely 3D printed, thanks to our collaborators like HP, with their Multijet Fusion technology, as well as BAFS, who provided two materials, PA11 and TUP, for printing.

PA11 is a rigid and sustainable material that can be destroyed and reused, allowing us to create a dress and sunglasses. The printing and production process, which I personally participated in at the HP factory, truly unveils the printed pieces. The rings, a gift we'll give at the runway show, are made possible through collaboration with our partner PROSILAS.

With TUP, a flexible material, we've created two bags and a kind of helmet that also alludes to the possibilities of this technology. And finally, a look created with 3D printing on fabric, which in my opinion replaces traditional embroidery with gemstones. This is done with STRATASYS technology, a company that also wanted to collaborate upon hearing about the project.

But the rest of the collection stands out for its interchangeability; we wanted to create garments where you can swap sleeves, collars, and legs.

Where do you find your groundbreaking ideas, and how do they help you mix traditional fashion with futuristic innovation?

My creative process draws from two sources: the present and current events, and the other can be my abstract interpretation of how I imagine a better future. Only by reflecting on the world we live in can we build a better one. I like to believe that JNORIG is an ideal universe where solutions to current problems have been found.

Describe your brand in three words that capture its essence.

Sophistication, innovation, empowerment

What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers who want to bring innovation to the industry? How can they blend fashion and technology effectively to create wearable designs for the future?

My advice is to trust your sense of timing, educate yourself about the industry you work in, explore new ways of doing things, embrace technology, and use it as a disruptive tool to create meaningful products. Oh, and don't be complacent.

JNORIG is known for incorporating cultural influences into avant-garde designs. Could you share how Javier Giron's personal background and experiences influence the brand's aesthetic?

Let's say I feel a passion for anthropology, this is due to the cultural changes I was exposed to, as I mentioned earlier, but also to my desire to understand the human being. Japan is an influence that has marked the aesthetics of JNORIG. When I was very young, my mother went to work in Japan for a while, I remember that at 7 years old I wanted to understand what and where Japan is, so from a very young age I became interested in its tradition, its culture and subcultures, its nuances, its art, its clothing, etc.

Photos and AI Artworks by Rosario Rex Di Salvo

Editor in Chief Gloria Maria Cappelletti

Fashion Director Giorgia Imbrenda

Features Editor Eleonora Pirisi

Special Thanks to 080 Barcelona Fashion and MM Studio

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