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Q1 Could you tell us what did you get the concept for 2008 collection?
My main inspiration is always a woman. I put her on a pedestal, and all I want to do is decorate her body in the spirit of what inspires me in that moment. This is usually things that surround me and interest me. Whether this be travel, scuba diving or just watching an old movie, one thing is for sure it will all be used and somehow reflected. In all my collections there will be lots of colour, sparkle, and emphasis on maxing the hotness. This year's design themes fall into three groups: the Nouvelle Coquette, the Destination and the Aquatic Treasures. The Nouvelle Coquette theme features flirtatious, lingerie-inspired pieces that make the most of décolleté and retro-inspired patterns and silhouettes. The Destination theme is inspired by the dynamism and adventure of a landscape of contrasts, from the dunes to the oasis to the curves of an ultramodern hotel at the water's edge. Exotic getaways are evoked in the names of the pieces, whose shapes and patterns aim to celebrate organic geometry, animal prints and lush colors, including rich brown, ebony, lime and embellished with polished coconut rings. The Aquatic Treasures theme is meant to evoke a feeling of gracious living on the water, offering ship-toshore ease with a range of swimwear and cover-ups in classic colors like navy and cream, in flattering, sea-worthy shapes, many with belted shorts, pockets and wrap skirts, some in combinations of crochet and soft cotton jersey. |
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Stripes are in hues that recall a beachside cabana on the Riviera or a sunset along the Gold Coast. Whether in color, shape or ornament, the pieces are inspired by the sea and its precious gifts, and many are hand-embroidered with pearls and shells.
Q2 Who is your average customer and what are they like? Does any celebrity stop by?
Definitely someone who is comfortable in her own skin - someone who is not afraid of standing out from the crowd and who appreciates uniqueness. Our list of celebrities includes: Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Aniston, Katherine Heigel, Lisa Rinna, Paris Hilton, Bar Rafaeli, Elle Macpherson, Marisa Miller, Rebecca Romijin, Melissa George, Kelly Lynch, Carmen Electra, Bai Ling, Tatyana M. Ali (Danity Kane), Tara Reid
Q3 What are you working on right now?
Currently, I am busy completing my 2009 collection.
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Q7 What's your best fashion tip on the beach? What's your must items?
I think the rules for a swimsuit are pretty much the same as when picking the perfect anything for the rest of your wardrobe - shoes, tops, dresses... first - think about who you are, where you are going and what will you be doing there... (personality, location, occasion). i'd say a good swimsuit should frame the body and personality- it should be about physical and psychological comfort. Which of course - could mean different things to different people - (i.e. I feel comfortable in uncomfortable shoes as long as i love them) - some people are comfortable if they get attention and uncomfortable when they blend in and vice versa.... if you can't handle too much attention, stick to something more conservative...
Also - what sort of activities are you planning to do, and how intensely are you going to do them? If it's a day at the beach and you're planning on playing beach volleyball or surfing, get something that's high performance: something with good lycra, good coverage and support. |
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| If it's a resort that you are going to and you will be mainly lounging by the pool then you can get away with something more precious... Fit-wise - you don't need to cover every inch of your butt. Think about it this way - the larger surface you cover with the fabric, the larger it appears. Less is better - of course, if you can handle it. Must have items? I always wear one of my fully sequined crochet bathing suits called the Beach Goddess in every color combo (the baby blue version was on the cover of this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue). I love anything sparkly and colorful, as I'm a slave to my inner magpie. I also love snorkeling and I find sequins resemble fish scales, and i definitely feel more welcome among the fish when I'm dressed appropriately for the visit. i literally become one of them. I'm also, obsessed right now about anything tie die, as you can see from my collection of Resortwear. I like items that can do double duty, my silk dresses skim away from the body, and are perfect from daytime beside the pool, to an evening party. |
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| Compulsion, indeed, obsession for fashion design, is hardly something one expects to come out of seeing Disney's Snow White, but for 3-year-old Anna Kosturova, that's exactly what happened. The titular character's vibrant costume made a profound visual impact on her. Always preferring real-life proportions to dolls, Anna grew up endlessly playing dress-up in front of the mirror and subsequently getting her aunt to make the latest fashion inventions. As it often happens, natural instincts were overwritten by the realities of the education system, and instead of pursuing arts, Anna earned a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in textile technology. It took a few years for her to acknowledge her flair for art and fashion and to pursue it professionally. She refers to this radical change in her life as personal liberation a process of decoding my DNA to claim my own happiness. Anna believes in the aquatic theory of man origin because it perfectly explains her unusual love of water and fascination with sea life. Designing swimwear and resort wear is just a circle thing for her a perfect culmination where everything that she loves comes together. Beauty is what she is addicted to and beauty is what she wants to create. |
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Q4 How did the idea for crochet swimwear come about?
I was going on a scubadiving trip to Australia's Great Coral Reef and I needed a bathing suit - so I designed one in crochet and asked the suppliers that I knew at the time (while I was designing for an other company) to make it for me. When I saw it for the first time I thought that was the most beautiful thing I had ever designed. It was a fully sequined lime turquoise crochet stripe bikini, now known as the Beach Goddess (as worn by Mariah Carey, and as featured on the cover of this year's Sport's Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2008 in baby blue stripe colour). While in Australia we were driving from Sydney to Brisbane and along the way we were stopping at every beach on the coast. Everywhere we stopped I received lots of compliments on my bathing suit, and it made me think - if this bikini made complete stranger come up to me and inquire about it that this was a pretty strong indication that I had created something desirable and should pursue it further. |
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Q5 Which beach is your favorite? Any recommendations for our readers to visit?
The beaches along the Australian Coastline are my absolute favorite. You can't go wrong anywhere from Sydney to Brisbane. The beauty of the coastline matches the beauty and friendliness of it's people.
Q6 Is there a trend you wish would disappear?
Though this may not even be a trend, I dislike strapless straight neckline dresses - bridal hell staple. People never look comfortable when they wear this style and honestly it is barely ever flattering. I wish these dresses would disappear. Also, the hipster uniform from head to toe, including the A-symmetrical haircut. This can be ok, sometimes, but in small doses. Just pick one element - maybe skinny jeans...and mix it up with something other than a stripey top or graphic hoodie. |
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Q8 Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
If you mean fashion icons as in other designers, then I would have to say that each season there is always someone different that I get excited about. Stylistically, I enjoy individuality. If you mean fashion icons as in people that inspire me with their distinctive style - then i definitely get a great kick out of the Olsen Twins. I find them entertaining, and the only ones now who manage to put their own spin on the clothing they wear. Equally so, I love Angus Young's style from AC/DC. They're my favourite band, he's such a great musician and a fashion icon - who can forget the school uniform!!!! I do however find that Marissa Berenson captures the era of my interest the best. This is what I like to see, personal flair, lots of it, and please, entertain me.
Q9 What is your favorite cuisine? Could you tell us a good restaurant in your area?
I like it all, as long as I don't have to cook it, or wait too long for it. |
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I do have a soft spot for Japanese cuisine though. I honestly do love sushi (and not just because I am doing an interview for a Japanese audience). If I were to have sushi outside of Japan, Vancouver is definitely the place. It is really fresh, and we have great sushi spots on every corner. My second choice is the best sandwich on the planet made by SO.CIAL a butcher shop/deli here in Vancouver's Gastown. I am very lucky, because it is just around the corner from my studio. They do their own roast beef, roast vegetables, and serve their sandwiches with the best home made potato chips. Seriously, the best sandwich ever.
Q10 Would you like to add anything for the Japanese fans?
Besides swimwear for ladies, I also have a full line of silk and crocheted cover-ups, and many of our most popular styles (including sequined bikinis and adorable cover-ups) are available in age-appropriate versions for little girls, which you can see at www.annakosturovagirl.com. |
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