UKRAINIAN FASHION DESIGNER: ELVIRA GASANOVA
Ukrainian Fashion Designer: Elvira Gasanova
Meet Elvira Gasanova, a talented Ukrainian fashion designer, creative director, and the brains behind the Gasanova brand. In an exclusive interview, she shared her inspiration behind her latest collection and her thoughts on the future of fashion. Her innovative approach to fashion has garnered her a dedicated following of fashion enthusiasts who appreciate her creativity and vision. The interview offers a glimpse into Gasanova’s creative process and the passion she has for creating beautiful fashion pieces.
Even back in her school days, Elvira dabbled in dentistry and organizing events, but it was her volunteer work at Fashion Week in Donetsk that sparked her dream of creating her own fashion brand.
When the conflict in Donetsk forced her to relocate, Elvira’s passion for fashion and entrepreneurship drove her to keep pushing forward. She set up her brand in the capital and quickly caught the attention of Ukrainian and international celebrities. Supermodel Snezhana Onopko was the first to model for Gasanova, followed by the lovely Alina Baikova who became a close friend and ambassador for the brand.
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
There wasn’t a specific day when I decided to become a designer because, since my school years, I have been involved in organizing events, participating in comedy clubs, and engaging in various organizational activities. The same happened during my fifth year at university. When Donetsk Fashion Days emerged, I decided to try myself as an organizer and volunteer. Thus, I decided to try to create my collection.
What’s it like being in the fashion industry – How is the fashion industry in your home country?
I never had the goal of being directly involved in the industry, but considering that I always set very ambitious goals, it naturally led me to work within the system. However, our focus remains more on the work of our brand with our clients and partners, so this does not affect our presence in the industry.
What was your first job in the fashion industry?
My first collection was showcased at Donetsk Fashion Days.
Talk about the changes in your life since you‘ve your clothing store.
My goal has always been to operate as a full-fledged boutique store, where people can come and purchase ready-to-wear items. I’m not one to wait, so it’s crucial for me that everything can be obtained here and now. That’s precisely why we started operating in the format of a ready-to-wear clothing boutique.
How do you choose your inspiration?
I create collections for people, and undoubtedly, they are the ones who inspire me as well.
In one word how would you define yourself as a designer?
I am very ambitious and very fast-paced – these are both my strongest assets and sometimes obstacles on my path to goals.
What advice would you pass along to those starting in the Fashion Business
To choose your path precisely and not attempt to replicate someone else’s.
Tell us about your last collection
The latest Fall/Winter 24-25 collection is dedicated to family, portrayed through an unusual perspective – that of spices. We took pepper as the main element, its texture, and the scatter of stones before it works on dresses in the form of crystals, the structure resembling the heat of leather and fabric, and the preparation of food jointly with the family, highlighting family traditions, values, and unity.
To know more about Elvira, please visit: Angel for Fashion
