DAFES | Design, Art, Fashion, Education & Startups

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.

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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!

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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.