Designer / Anastasia Lomonova

Posted: October 28, 2011 | Author: Daniel | Filed under: Interviews | Tags: anastasia lomonova, designer, interview | Leave a comment »

That’s right, the most recent addition to my archive of interviews is European yet now Canada-based designer Anastasia Lomonova. She is possibly one of the nicest designers I’ve spoken to in a while, and was wonderfully efficienct in replying to my email, which puts any individual in my good books!

What would you consider to be the aesthetic behind Anastasia Lomonova?

It’s very dark and sculptural, raw yet elegant. It’s transparent and light, yet rigid and heavy. It overly a conflict of contrasts. I have long abandoned standard methods of pattern-making and view clothes as fabric sculptures – with elements of drape, pleats (always pleats) and lines. I try to stay true to the fabric, letting you experience it in it’s natural state by carefully guiding it around the body.

What were you doing before you formed Anastasia Lomonova?

Nothing much really. I started my line at 22 – I dropped out of school, moved to Montreal and started it. I didn’t have any money or that much experience at the time, but I knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life so I didn’t see the lack of either as an obstacle.

Aside from designing, what other interest’s do you have?

I am doing more and more photography these days – I’ve been shooting my own catalogues for a while. I also love exercising – the gym has definitely replaced night clubs and after-parties for me.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am working on my AW2013 collection right now – it’s going to be a strong season, I think. I would love to show in Europe but that’s a bit of an abstract idea at the moment.

In your own opinion, what is unique about Anastasia Lomonova?

The approach to design is different. I design with a lot of freedom – I am not overly concerned with what other people are doing or what is palatable retail-wise. I look to create and explore different shapes, textures and lines – to inspire and to bring something new to the table. The challenge is to make the effort look easy and the avant-garde wearable.

This is definitely no cookie-cutter design.

In business terms, what advice would you give to aspiring designers?

Write a business plan and do it yourself – its so tedious but so necessary.

Lastly, would you say that Anastasia Lomonova is successful?

In more ways than one. Absolutely.

Images courtesy of Anastasia Lomonova

You’re not unlucky, you’re just not very smart

Posted: October 26, 2011 | Author: Daniel | Filed under: Music | Tags: emmy the great, music, paper forest | Leave a comment »

Currently playing: Emmy The Great – Paper Forest

Question / NATALIEBCOLEMAN

Posted: October 21, 2011 | Author: Daniel | Filed under: Interviews | Tags: designer, interview, natalie b coleman, question | Leave a comment »

After weeks of collecting questions from a series of sources, I thought that today was the day to debut one of my new concepts which I would like to introduce to you all. In addition to interviews, I will be asking numerous individuals slightly more one-off and random questions – to ensure that alongside the professional we see the personal side of a character. I’m completely against the barrier which is held between designers, photographers, business owners and their customers or fans, which is why I think it’s important that we close the social gap between the two and create a slightly more personal and friendly interaction with these various individuals.

For my first question, I asked Dublin, Ireland-based designer NATALIEBCOLEMAN about her favorite fashion blogs and websites. Fashion bloggers in particular may find Natalie’s answer extremely helpful!

What would you consider to be your favourite fashion-related blog or website?

“I really like Style Bubble by Susie Bubble. Susie was the first blogger to write about me when I showed my first collection Damaged Goods in Berlin, and it created a lot of interest in the label. I like her personal style and how she captures the emotion behind a collection without having to explain anything, which is great from a designers point of view. I also love from the home front, the recently born THREAD, a quarterly magazine and blog. The editor is the talented Aishling Farinella and it is a celebration of Irish fashion and all its links with other forms of art, design, music and film.”