Europe is the Mecca of the Fashion World
Many parts of Europe have established their own fashion week to showcase their country's talent. Ukrainian Fashion Week was founded in 1997 and has now become a staple for the nation. Now more than forty menswear and womenswear collections are shown, Olena Dats' was amongst them. Known in her home country, Ukraine, best; Olena creates clothing "From thread to perfect image".
After having attended the Lviv Academy of Arts for Fashion Design from 1995 to 2001, Olena set out to fulfill her destiny as a Women's Wear designer. In 2007, marking the ten year anniversary of the Ukrainian Fashion Week, her Fall-Winter 2006-2007 collection hit the runway. She has since not disappointed. Olena has now presented her clothing in Paris (for fashion week!), Japan, Italy, Russia, and more. Her most recent collection was for Spring-Summer 2010.
Structured yet with a whimsical flow
her use of screen prints created pure beauty. It's clear she has a love and passion for what she does. San Jose Fashion Week wished to find out more about the woman behind the genius.
SJFW - When did you know you wanted to be in the fashion industry?
Olena - First I have chosen the style of my life I wanted to have and then step by step my destiny brought me to the place where I’m now.
SJFW - How long have you been in the industry?
Olena - Our Atelier was open in 2001. Collection for Ukrainian Fashion Week was created in 2005. We first took part in the Salon during Paris Fashion Week with spring- summer 08 collection.
SJFW - What is your role in the industry?
Olena - I don’t think that my role in the world Fashion Industry is big ,but I can say that our mark influence on the development of the Fashion Industry in Ukraine.
SJFW - What does fashion mean to you?
Olena - It is a part of our cultural and everyday life. Sometimes it is a toy for fun and sometimes for education.
SJFW - What is your inspiration?
Olena - Usually there are only some feelings and impressions that depicts our surrounding .But whatever theme I choose my roots are always visible.
SJFW - Is there a theme or message in your clothing?
Olena - Philosophy: I try to create simple things with intellectual filling.
SJFW - What makes your clothing/accessories unique?
Olena - I try to create interesting and modern collections combined with perfect cut and presidios quality
SJFW - Your target demographic?
Olena - Most of our clients are successful people confident in future.
Твоя целевая аудитория?
SJFW - What are the materials you work with, color, patterns, hardware, etc.?
Olena - From thread to perfect image! The feeling of freedom inspire to create own fabrics with help of weaving and exclusive screen print. These only natural fabrics (silk , wool, mohair, etc.) become a source of non-cut and unique cloth. It gives you balance and comfort, charm and freedom. Also big attention is dedicated to weaved and embroided details filled with human hands warmth.
SJFW - What is your favorite piece/item you have ever done?
Olena - The Collection that won the Grand Prix of “Trophee Evian des Creatours de Mode” Evian, France, in June 2005. It combines everything that I like while creating.
SJFW - Quote that defines you in the fashion business or personally
.
Olena - Everything is in our hands, so we can not put them down.
SJFW - What is your favorite fashion season?
Olena - Fall /winter is my favorite season. It usually means multilevel more refined look more possibilities in the way of wearing. It usually inspires me much more.
SJFW - How do you feel the recession has affected the fashion industry, if it has at all?
Olena - The same as any other businesses. I think those who were self-sufficient survived, It also cleansed many minds and gave them a new scale of values.
SJFW - What trend could you do without this year/season?
Olena - The return of jeans jackets
SJFW - What trend do you love this year/season?
Olena - Sophisticated beige jersey or wool dresses
.
SJFW - Most loved designer/brand?
Olena - Coco Chanel.
SJFW - What is your most beloved fashion item (accessory, shoes, clothing)?
Olena - All kinds of cocktail dresses.
SJFW - Being a Ukrainian designer, do you feel American and Ukrainian fashion tend to differ, and so how much? How you would you define your city's fashion?
Olena - The tastes differ even closer depending on the part of my country .I think the same in USA trendy people in New-York will totally differ from those in L A. For me Fashion has no borders and Ukrainian trend hunters can easily compete with the ones from abroad.
SJFW - Do you market in the United States? If not, do you plan to do so?
Olena - Not yet but I hope to find some agent who can present our new fall-winter 10-11 collection for the United States market.
SJFW - What is the most memorable/favorite moment in your fashion career/history?
Olena - Each moment in my work gives me a lot of excitement.
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Fashion Writer Natalia Puntikova
Fashion Writer / Editor Arriel Ginter
Images Olena Dats'
