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Q1 You met with your partner at Vivienne Westwood's fashion course at Berlin's University of Art and Design. What exactly did you do at the course?
Jessica and I had the opportunity to study with Vivienne Westwood for 3 years, in a class of about 24 people. We had a different project each year, and the strongest designs were presented at the annual fashion show organized by the class. Our projects were supervised by Vivienne, and two other excellent pattern maker professors. During these three years we had a chance to learn about historical and ethnic cutting techniques, and how to develop them to a modern functional cutting system. We also had to learn how to use the three-dimensional aspect of fabric. Learning the different draping techniques gave each student the tools to develop his or her own special cutting system. We even had to learn how to screen print and knit. It was a wonderful experience for the both of us. |
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Q2 Let's talk about your design. What do you think is the most important element in your fall 2008-09 collection?
We launched ZSEGA in 2007, and this season is our third collection. We tried to incorporate the best of our experiences and techniques into this collection, almost as homage to our previous collections, our influences, and even our student years. I am confident that we created a nice balance between a coherent collection and designing strong individual pieces at the same time. If you look at this Fall-Winter 08-09 line, you will notice the use of natural, lighter fabrics, as well as the feminine lines. From the very beginning, we have tried to reach back to the feminine roots with our designs, stressing the softer side of women, embracing the female body with cuts and fabrics that give our costumers the kind of natural confidence that makes a woman stand out. |
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Q6 Could you tell us what does your average day entail?
I start early in our Berlin studio. First we discuss the pieces from the previous day – how we could make the design or details better. Besides designing, I actually do everything myself – buying fabrics, dealing with our contractors, banking, etc.... We are a very small company, and right now everyone does everything they possibly can to further the ZSEGA label. |
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Q7 Do you have any current fashion obsessions?
Yes! I would love to work together with a special artist from Berlin, and develop new fabric designs and prints with her. She makes these amazing drawings based on the rhythms and rituals of everyday life that, if combined with fabric, would work unbelievably together.
Q8 In your opinion, what trends will we be seeing more of in '09?
I consciously try and not to think in trends. I know it might sound a little snobby, but our goal is to create a line that is inspired by people, times and moods, rather than trends. Trends usually last for a very short time, and that is exactly what we are trying to avoid with ZSEGA. Instead of following certain waves, we are creating our own style by finding the perfect combination between modern and timeless designs. If pressed though, I would probably have to say that we will see more of that English chic next year. |
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ZSEGA has created an original twist on modern fashion by venturing outside of expected linear concepts and infusing bold sophistication with organic elegance. Draping layers of texture and color are infused with original patterns and hand-made prints, yielding ZSEGA's signature look and unique style. The creative force behind ZSEGA is ZSUZSA KOVACS and JESSICA RICHARD, both graduates of Vivienne Westwood's fashion course at Berlin's prestigious University of Fine Arts. While attending the course, they immediately formed a strong friendship and creative collaboration that has carried throughout these years. In 2007, they started the ZSEGA line to realize their personal vision of bringing their conceptual European designs to the major fashion markets of North America, Asia, and Europe.
Just three seasons into the label's launch, ZSEGA has already been selling in high-end boutiques throughout Italy, Germany, Hungary, and the United States. The brand has earned instant acclaim by being honored with Blaec's 2007 New Designer Award, paving the way to several features in major fashion magazines. ZSEGA's originality and unique style are directly attributed to the designer's separate interests and influences from growing up in two different countries. Zsuzsa, from Budapest, Hungary, and Jessica, from Berlin, Germany have blended their own histories together to create a fashion forward way of thinking. These influences are expressed with an artful design quality, consistently present from one season to the next. It is this consistency that makes ZSEGA stand out in the high-fashion world. |
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Q3 What was your best experience as a designer?
Well, it's hard to pinpoint one single experience... I would probably have to say having my first fashion show last year in Los Angeles. We held it at the prestigious Bergamot Station in a fantastic art gallery. We had over 250 guests including industry professionals, press, local celebrities as well as family and friends. It was a very special and personal moment for me – seeing such a mixed crowd appreciate your work. It was a real dream come true...
Q4 What are you working on right now?
We are just finishing the last pieces of our Spring-Summer 2009 collection. This year we are going to try to broaden our markets in Europe and the US. I'm in contact with the Hungarian cultural attaché of Berlin regarding a fashion presentation, and we're working on a couple of events in the US as well. There is a new challenge for every day, but this is what I love about it. |
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Q5 Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life?
A friend of my parents. I lived with her in Los Angeles for a year when I was 16. It was a huge deal for me – getting out of Eastern Europe at those times, to follow my dreams. She was very generous and kind to me – she taught me how 'real life' worked. |
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Q9 Favorite place to see art?
In my hometown Budapest, at the Museum of Fine Arts. It gives me the chills to think about all these amazing paintings that used to be hanging on walls of wealthy families. In communism, these pieces were taken by the government. I just love to imagine where the specific artwork used to be, what its own history is. It just gives the piece another layer. Budapest is such the perfect place to see art anyway: the whole city is soaked heavily in history and art.
Q10 Would you like to add anything for the Japanese fans?
Japanese culture is absolutely fascinating. It is very unique, and naturally has inspired many artists with all kinds of tools, including many fashion designers. I would be flattered to be able to appear in Japan with my garments. |
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