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Q1 Could you tell us what's a highlight of your recent design career?
I've just completed my second collection for Fall 2008, so that's pretty exciting for me. Also, I am getting ready to participate in a group fashion show at the end of April. |
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Q2 What are the special qualities of your design?
I was trained as a graphic designer, so I feel that I approach fashion from a very different perspective. I see each piece as a packaging for the body. Finding different ways of wrapping a garment yet keeping it wearable. I like to play with texture, patterns, shapes.
Q3 As a designer, who is your muse?
I don't have one particular person in mind. Any strong and confident individual gives me an extra boost of energy. I live in NYC, so the only place I find myself "alone" is when I commute on the subway. I tend to tune out and that's when I feel I get a lot of my creative thinking done.
Q4 Does your multiethnic background help you in designing clothes?
Yes. Definitely. I am inspired by many cultures. I have a pretty multicultural circle of friends. |
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Natasha Samoylenko, hailing from the Ukraine moved to New York City in 1994 to study Graphic Design at the School Of Visual Arts. After a trip to the Comme des Garcons showroom for a school assignment, Natasha found herself inspired to push the boundaries of convention. Without traditional fashion school training, she was able to explore fashion from a different perspective. Reinventing familiar lines and patterns by combining them in fresh and unexpected ways, her collection poses the question: "what would happen if you turn this upsidedownsidewaysinsideout?"
She's spent the past 7 years working as a graphic designer and selling her innovative pieces to local boutiques in New York, Chicago and Washington DC. Gaining a strong reputation for her wide waistband wrap skirts and one shoulder wrap dresses, she is officially launching her label with the spring/summer 2008 collection, called Baika (means "fable" in Ukrainian). |
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Q5 Is there a designer who inspires you the most?
Comme des Garson's Rei Kawakubo, Maria Carnejo, Alexander McQueen to name a few. I get inspired by my fellow designer friends as well.
Q6 What project you are working on right now?
I am designing my Spring Collection for 2009.
Q7 Music to live by
I love music... whatever inspires me at that moment in time.
Q8 If you can travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Thailand and Iceland
Q9 What is your favorite cuisine? Could you tell us a good restaurant in your area?
I love food. There isn't one particular cuisine that I like. Depending on the season, weather and my mood. But there is a really great Thai place in my neighborhood called Em (on Smith street). |
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Q10 Tell us your secret favorite store.
I love buying clothes from my designer friends.
Q11 What are your aspirations?
I would love to have my own store. Have a fashion show. And continue doing what I love everyday of my life.
Q12 Would you like to add anything for the Japanese fans?
Live life to your best ability. |
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