I hate my collection

by Sarah Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The impact Central Saint Martins has in the fashion world will be looked at in a new documentary that is being produced by a graduate of the college.

Oleg Mitrofanov’s debut film I Hate My Collection also looks into what part the college has played in the success of its influential alumni.

“I realised that no one had ever actually done a documentary about Central Saint Martin’s before and so I did some research and said: ‘well cool, I’m doing that’, and that’s how it started,” he said. 

Mitrofanov was inspired by CSM’s move to Granary Square and wants to uncover the effect the transition has had on its influence.

“At first I thought the move would mean the end of Central Saint Martins, that the spirit of CSM would die. Now that I’m making the film, I’m starting to realise that’s not the case.

“I think one of the main reasons I’m doing this is to prove myself wrong in a way,” he explained.

Two-year project

Mitrofanov has worked on the documentary for two years with his lecturer and fashion historian Judith Watt.

The project has taken longer than he anticipated due to a lack of funding, despite Mitrofanov thinking “people would be just queuing outside my door.”

The name of the documentary was inspired by some graffiti in the CSM bathrooms.

“I think it summarises what a student goes through when they are in their final year, not only in fashion, but anywhere.”

This being said, Oleg is yet to find someone to admit on camera that they hate their collection, as he believes promoting work is part of the process of development for students.

“I was talking to my friend on the phone the other day who has just submitted her final collection and she was going: ‘I hate it! I hate my collection!’ and I said: ‘well okay, can you say this in front of the camera?’ and she said: ‘well by then I will like it again!’” he explained.

 I Hate My Collection is expected to be completed in September.