Already the first week of the Ljubljana international Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Award 2016 was given to the young designer Kaja Julija Hrovat. She convinced the jury with her comprehensive and articulated approach to design of the presented collection, and prototype.

"I am honoured that the jury recognized my potential, but I am mostly thrilled that they consider the transition of my concept into wearable, yet avant-garde piece of clothing," Horvat said for MMC after the event. She was definitely surprised by the award, which gave her impetus and courage to continue. "It's one of the most important awards young designers can receive, and an excellent springboard for future career in design."

"I consider all the steps made from one project into another a great accomplishment. But the biggest accomplishment is most certainly the response from the people and those who wear my clothes with pride, and are satisfied with them. In my opinion the purpose of fashion and dressing is to create with clothes the feeling which makes one's day. For a long time now I have been looking for inspiration in identity, be it cultural, architectural, or clothing," the awarded designer explained. She had made the decision to work in fashion when she was a little girl, and her mother had greatly influenced her career choice.

At the next Fashion Week, she will present her "awarded" collection; she says she already has certain ideas, and slowly they are transforming into a whole.