Page 8 – Lemontrend

BEST FUDGIEST BROWNIES RECIPE

Sallida | 21. April 2024 | Recipes

Best Fudgiest Brownies recipe

The recipe for my Best Fudgiest Brownies recipe is a total game-changer! With a perfectly crisp crackly top, a super fudgy center, and just the right amount of chewiness or gooeyness in every bite, these brownies are truly something special. And don't worry about measuring ingredients - I've got you covered with both measurements and weights to make baking a breeze. Trust me, this brownies are the Fudgiest Brownies and absolutely live up to their name!

Indulge in Homemade Brownies

Are you ready for a slice of chocolate heaven? This homemade brownie recipe will spoil your taste buds and make you say goodbye to boxed mixes forever. But here's the catch - with these fudge brownies, you may just end up eating the entire tray in one go!
These decadent brownies are a breeze to make and are packed with rich chocolate flavor that is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Not only are these brownies super fudgy and easy to whip up, but they are also ready to enjoy just 15 minutes after coming out of the oven (just be cautious not to burn yourself). Each brownie is filled with gooey melted chocolate chunks throughout, creating a deliciously indulgent treat.
The best part? These brownies stay incredibly fudgy even the next day, and the day after that. You can even freeze them or enjoy them cold straight out of the fridge up to a week later!

How to Make this amazing Brownies

Looking for a way to make your brownies thicker and fatter?
Try doubling our recipe and swapping half of the white sugar with light brown sugar as recommended in the notes section. The result? Amazing brownies that will have your friends and family begging for more. Don't just take our word for it.
I shared these brownies with my neighbours and friends, and the reactions were priceless. The moans of delight as they savored each bite confirmed that this recipe is a true winner. And let's not forget about the batter.
It's so delicious that you'll have a hard time resisting the urge to lick the spoon and bowl clean. Give this recipe a try and get ready to impress everyone with your baking skills!

Baking Pans

During our testing, we experimented with three different baking pans and the results were quite interesting! The thickness of your brownies depends on the pan you choose:

28 x 18cm Pan: Thicker brownies (about 2 inches) with a fudgy center and set edges. Baked for 40-45 minutes.
33 x 23cm Pan: Thinner brownies (about 3/4 of an inch) with a consistent texture. Baked for around 18 minutes.

Keep in mind, some readers prefer lighter pans for more even and better results. Darker pans may result in darker and drier bottoms. Choose based on your preference!

Check out that crispy top!

These brownies are moist and delicious, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The smell while baking will make your home smell amazing for hours. If only we could experience it through the computer screen!

Let the brownies cool for about 15 minutes before slicing, or even up to an hour for a firmer texture. The longer you wait, the better they'll set and slice perfectly.

Tips & tricks for Perfect Brownies:

Don't Overmix: Be careful not to over beat your batter once you add the flour and cocoa powder. This can create air pockets in the batter, resulting in cake-like brownies.
Watch the Bake Time: I found that 23 minutes in an 8x12-inch pan produced the perfect brownies for me. You can bake them a little longer if you prefer them more set, but keep in mind that this may affect the fudgy texture. Remember, they will continue to bake slightly in the hot pan once removed from the oven.
Use Baking Paper: To easily remove the brownies from the pan, line it with baking paper. Allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes before gently transferring them to a cooling rack.
Optimal Oven Placement: I prefer to bake my brownies on the top shelf of my oven. The middle shelf tends to cook them too quickly, which can result in burnt or dried out brownies. Keep in mind that your oven may behave differently.

FASHION BRAND GUDU BY LASHA MDINARADZE

Sallida | 21. April 2024 | Designers

Fashion Brand by Fashion Designer Lasha Mdinaradze

Fashion Designer Lasha Mdinaradze is the master mind behind the fashion brand GUDU. GUDU was created in 2015 in Kyiv, Ukraine, and it focus on self- sufficient looks, that don’t require any accessories.

Lasha Mdinaradze likes to experiment with shape and colour, while also staying close to a tailored cut. GUDU designer calls his muse “a blue- blooded punk” and offers sensible and dramatic silhouettes.

"A woman is always in the centre of my attention, – says Mdinaradze, – I want to create to show her power and personality to the world”.

Fashion Brand GUDU designs adorn the female body through dramatic, sensual silhouettes, and masterpiece tailoring with total look and showstopper aesthetics. Each piece is a sculptural embellishment, engineered with uncompromising quality.

When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

My whole life is connected with the fashion industry. I have a background as a costume designer by training. Before creating Fashion brand GUDU, when I was still living in Tbilisi, I collaborated with various brands, became the winner of BE NEXT competition for young designers. The fashion brand GUDU brand was born in 2015, when I moved from Georgia to Ukraine. We founded it together with partners - as a creative director I am responsible for the creation of collections and the visual component.

What’s it like being in the fashion industry

Despite the fact that the fashion industry looks very easy from the outside, it is actually hard work and a huge business. To achieve success in this industry, you need to constantly run, work under tight schedules and at the same time be able to find a balance within yourself in order to produce a new high-quality product.

How is the fashion industry in your home country?

For the last nine years I have been living and developing a fashion business in Ukraine - during this time the fashion industry in the country has made a huge leap forward. Local brands are absolutely competitive in international markets, despite all restrictions and challenges. The last two years have shown that Ukrainian brands can do anything. I am grateful to our GUDU team who, even in the darkest days, created magic to bring joy to our women life.

Talk about the changes in your life since you‘ve your own clothing store.

The main change is that I learned to work in a tight schedule, when collections need to be created according to a schedule, and not just based on the presence of inspiration.

How do you choose your inspiration?

First of all, I am inspired by the people around me - they are all different, each has a unique style and view of the world. I rarely look for inspiration in art or specific people - everything is always mixed in my collections, but at the same time I adore the color black. It allows me to experiment with shape and proportions, which is an integral part of our brand.

In one word how would you define yourself as a designer?

Unstoppable

What advice would you pass along to those starting in the Fashion Business

Listen to your inner voice - trends are constantly changing. It will help you stand out from the crowd of identical brands that are running from one “hot” trend to another and don`t have their own face.

Tell us about your last collection

Ukrainian fashion brand GUDU presented a new collection in which designer Lasha Mdinaradze continues to explore the protective function of clothing in its various connotations.

"The crazier and more unpredictable the world around us becomes, the more we need armour that will help keep us in this vortex," says the designer, continuing to experiment with form and details, but remaining faithful to the idea of strong femininity around which the GUDU brand is built.

Mdinaradze works with tools in which he is confident - black colour, emphasised silhouette and textures. Each of them speaks about the main idea of the collection in its own way. For example, upon closer examination, it will be noticeable that the textured eco-leather on the mini dresses is actually assembled from tight laces, thanks to which the fabric perfectly holds its shape and allows you to form the necessary silhouette. The rebellious bomber, in turn, thanks to experiments with the cut, the designer turns into an elegant cape made of a functional raincoat, and the voluminous jeans already iconic for the brand become more structured thanks to the combination with leather, reminiscent of knightly armour. In the new season, black is dotted with warm shades of brown and milk, as well as sky blue, which silently remind us that the world around us, although crazy, is diverse.

The combination of voluminous "protective" clothes and the signature narrow silhouette is another important characteristic of the collection, which helps the designer to find a balance between masculinity and femininity. This technique refers to the mood of the 1980s, when women found the strength to declare their ambitions to the world.

To know more about Lasha, please visit Fashion brand GUDU

Photo Credits:

Kiko Gaspar Press

UKRAINIAN FASHION DESIGNER ELENA REVA

Sallida | 1. April 2024 | Designers

Fashion Designer

Elegant looks inspired by the main symbol of Ukrainian women's beauty – the maiden braid.

"The greatest beauty is a maiden's braid," says an old Ukrainian proverb. Indeed, for centuries in folklore, the maiden's braid has been regarded as a symbol of honor, hard work, neatness, and one of the most important natural adornments of women.

Hair care, its length, and the style of braiding often reflected unique aspects of femininity and cultural nuances in various regions of Ukraine. The traditions of braiding and the beauty of Ukrainian women's hair became the starting point for creating the ELENAREVA Fall-Winter 2024-25 collection.

The soft silhouette of loose curls formed by tightly braided hair was taken as the main element of the collection by the designer. References to neat wavy hair can be seen in the author's prints by Lina Nechiporuk. Additionally, they are manifested in delicate chiffon frills decorating evening silk dresses in black and milky shades. It's noteworthy that the color palette of the collection echoes the hues of nature.

The symbol of the maiden's braid also appears as a braided decorative element in bustiers and corsets. A key part of the collection is the complexly tailored dresses in mini, midi, and maxi lengths, and two-piece suits complemented by delicate semi-transparent blouses in white and burgundy shades.

The designer's signature can be traced in mini dresses with asymmetrical draping, as well as structured maxi dresses and corsets and bustiers that accentuate the figure. Alongside these outfits, and in contrast to the traditional ELENAREVA silk and chiffon, the new collection includes items made of eco-leather: particularly striking is a long skirt paired with a silk crop top, and loose-fitting trousers that look perfect with a bustier in the same texture.

Another experiment involved knitted dresses, sweaters, skirts, and scarves in white and soft pink colors. These items beautifully combine into monochrome looks, perfect for cool fall weather.

Special attention, from the accessories, is drawn to the ear cuff, while bags in two sizes with a decorative knot make for lovely accents. The minimalist cut and sculptural silhouettes continue the story of female strength!

When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I knew I would be creating clothes since my childhood. But my desire was solidified when I started working as a fashion model, diving into this beautiful world. Initially, I worked in a fashion theater, where we were at the heart of everything, feeling all the processes, creating collections, shows, and events. Our art director was crazy in the best sense, and those were some of the brightest moments of my life. Then came the runways, working in Tokyo, Seoul, but this whole world inspired me to create my own brand. Because I always had my own way of understanding a woman and her energy. It's incredible to create clothes inspired by your heroine, as you see it yourself.

 What’s it like being in the fashion industry

It's always a challenge! I believe fashion reflects our reality, the processes happening around us, technology, the race, speed, and also the problems surrounding us, like wars and everything else, it really influences. But on the other hand, as an artist, you create clothes for the most beautiful beings on the planet. For women, strong and beautiful, attractive and sexy, each uniquely so. And for me, the important part of this whole process is the feedback, when women say how they feel in the dresses we create, unique, especially attractive, and our pieces always being relevant inspires me.

How is the fashion industry in your home country?

Actually, I think our country is doing great in fashion! Despite the war in our country, our brands are moving forward and continue to work on both local and international markets, creating beauty for this world. The most important thing is that we have a huge number of cool brands creating really quality products and great content. Our people, like nowhere else in the world, love to look beautiful, stylishly dressed, athletic, and well-groomed, so our brands are very relevant on the local market and on the international market as well.

What was your first job in the fashion industry?

My first collection was called blooming. We worked in collaboration with Ukrainian artist Alina Yakubenko. During Ukrainian Fashion Week, we had a show for the S/S13 collection. Specifically for this show, Ukrainian artist Alina Yakubenko created a video installation that complemented the theme of spring awakening, which was the basis of the collection. It was an amazing atmosphere. We had giant-sized flowers growing, models appeared on the runway amid a riot of colors.

Talk about the changes in your life since you‘ve your own clothing store.

I love what I do, I adore creating beautiful feminine things that give girls a sense of uniqueness and attractiveness. It's hard to describe how my life has changed. Probably, my whole life is my brand. I dedicate all my time to it, it's like a child that is always little and always needs its mother's attention. So, there's no time left for anything else.

How do you choose your inspiration as a fashion designer?

Women were always the main source of inspiration for me. From season to season I focus on the inner sense of being a woman, her authenticity, intelligence and singularity to create clothes which meet woman's nature and vision of today's comfort and chic.

Deep-rooted Ukrainian culture is an endless source of inspiration for me as well. For example, the ancient Trypillian culture, which existed on the territory of modern Ukraine about 7000 years ago. The graphic language of the Trypillian civilization is powerful and endowed with a special essence. And the connection of generations, the heritage of our ancestors is an endless source of study.

The brand is also known for its collaborations with Ukrainian artists who develop prints and accessories for the collections and installations for the shows. The art definitely inspires me greatly.

What advice would you pass along to those starting in the Fashion Business

Ask yourself:

Are you ready to work 24/7?
Do you have a unique idea that you want to convey to the world?

Tell us about your last collection

The collection is inspired by the main symbol of Ukrainian women's beauty – the girl's braid.

"The greatest beauty is a girl's braid," says an ancient Ukrainian proverb. Indeed, for centuries in folklore, it was believed that a girl's braid is a symbol of honor, hard work, neatness, and one of the most important natural ornaments of women.

Hair and its care, length, and braiding style often reflected unique aspects of femininity and cultural nuances of different regions of Ukraine. The tradition of braiding and the beauty of Ukrainian women's hair became the starting point for creating the ELENAREVA Autumn-Winter 2024-25 collection.

The soft silhouette of loose curls formed by a tightly braided braid was taken as the main element of the collection. References to neat wavy hair can be seen in the original prints by Lina Nechiporuk. In addition, they appeared in delicate chiffon flounces decorating evening silk dresses in black and cream shades. It is worth noting that the color palette of the collection refers to shades inherent in nature.

The symbol of the girl's braid also appears as a braided decorative element in bustiers and corsets. One of the main parts of the collection became dresses of complex cut in mini, midi, and maxi lengths and two-piece suits, complemented by delicate semi-transparent blouses in white and burgundy shades.

To know more about this amazing fashion designer, please visit: Elena Reva

Photo Credits:

Kiko Gaspar Press

FASHION BRAND: MY SLEEPING GYPSY

Sallida | 17. March 2024 | Designers

Fashion Brand

Angela Huntbach-Hertault, is the Co-founder the fashion Brand: MY SLEEPING GYPSY.

My Sleeping Gypsy stands out for its intricate patterns, unique construction methods, and ancient symbols. Our one-of-a-kind designs showcase beautiful embroidery, applique, and traditional sewing techniques. We're committed to sustainability, sourcing local materials like high-quality linen, upcycled fabrics, and eco-friendly hemp fur. Linen is our go-to because it's durable, natural, and uses less water to produce.

It takes us several months to bring each new design to life, from the first sketch to the final product. They pour their hearts into every piece, drawing inspiration from different cultures and traditions. By making conscious choices and cherishing our planet's resources, they hope to make a positive impact in the world.

When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I didn't set out to be a fashion designer, I was always inclined towards Fine Art. I studied at Central St Martins and then The Royal College of Art and found that I was very influenced by fashion. My practice itself was always Sculpture which provides the largest scope to be able to move in any direction and the idea of cross-pollination was always the core of everything I was creating.

What’s it like being in the fashion industry

The fashion industry is vast and multi-faceted but the specific area that we occupy is that of precious artisanal craft, heritage and Art. I am not so enamoured by the world of fast, influencer led fashion and see the authentic intrinsic value of the industry as a whole in the savoir-faire.

How is the fashion industry in your home country?

I lived most of my life in London which has a very vibrant fashion scene and a dynamic creative industry. It is inspiring to be surrounded by such energy. I now live in Switzerland which has a completely different vibe but inspires me with its beauty and clarity. There are designers in Switzerland but I wouldn't say its a scene, it tends to lie a bit more underground as the dominant industries are finance etc.

 What was your first job in the fashion industry?

My first job in fashion was offered to me by a Hedge Fund Manager who had bought one of my sculptures and some Art from friends of mine that I had sold to him. Our interaction through those sales of Art led him to call me 'a natural sales-person' and he offered me a job as VP of Sales for a lingerie brand that he had just invested in. I first went over to New York and set things up over there then returned to London to continue building out the brand from what would be the head office. It was a baptism of fire, I worked in a way that was unusual at the time and it brought a lot of success. I guess driven by a creative mindset leading me to explore different paths along with a lot of hard work.

Talk about the changes in your life since you‘ve your own clothing store.

We don't have our own store but I am a 50/50 partner in the brand My Sleeping Gypsy, we work through wholesaling goods to major luxury retailers and directional boutiques worldwide. We also have a direct online business. It has been a path of learning and adapting continually. The landscape of fashion and the market is always changing and now with such things as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine where we have our production, and the economic tensions we are having to adapt and flex more than ever.

How do you choose your inspiration?

Every season we choose a fine artist to work with, they can be emerging, established or heritage artists. We incorporate key motifs into the embroideries and decorations on our garments. At the moment we are collaborating with the Alphonse Mucha Foundation who have allowed us access to the most inspiring archive from the key proponent in the Art Nouveau movement. Last season we worked with British artist Beth Rodway, known for her blue Indian ink line drawings of architectural settings. Previously the collection was created in collaboration with painter Sophie Wake, whose primordial visions of life on earth are so breathtakingly free and beautiful. The choice of artist collaborator is very directional in terms of how the style of the collection emerges, and that initial choice is made often by having a clear initial vision of how the collection could look, the rest emerges in the process.

In one word how would you define yourself as a designer?

In one word: Open

What advice would you pass along to those starting in the Fashion Business

It is not what it appears to be on the surface.

To know more about My Sleeping Gypsy, please visit: Angel for Fashion

Photo Credits:

Kiko Gaspar Press

UKRAINIAN FASHION DESIGNER: ELVIRA GASANOVA

Sallida | 10. March 2024 | Designers

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.

Ukrainian Fashion Designer: Elvira Casanova

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