Ukrainian brands make clothes that people want to wear

Founded in 2000 by Kristina Bobkova, BOBKOVA is one of the key fashion brands from Ukraine on the global scene. Bobkova is translating her cultural codes into contemporary language of sustainability, inclusivity and mindfulness. In an Interview with Fibre2Fashion, the designer talks about her journey, aesthetics of her collection, and sustainability in her creations.

Fibre2Fashion: What intrigued you to start your own brand at the age of 23? What challenges did you encounter?

Kristina Bobkova:

I started to work in fashion pretty early, and by the age of 17 I had created my first collection. At the same time, I have been working as a designer for different brands and ateliers. I also had experience on television creating costumes for various projects. At some point, I felt that I should launch my own brand to have absolute freedom of self-expression and creativity, which you could never reach to the fullest while working for someone else. Talking about challenges, I still didn’t have enough experience in all organisational processes by that time. And financial part of the business is also never easy for an emerging brand.

F2F: How would you describe the aesthetics and vibe of your collection? Where do you draw your inspiration for such classic and eclectic designs?

KB:

The new collection was infused with thoughts about Ukraine’s strong-willed brave hearts. It speaks about freedom on a large scale. It’s the freedom of identity, researched in the traditional local crafts and translated into modernity. In the silhouettes, I was rethinking ancient Ukrainian peasant workwear. It’s expressed in the ‘sharovary’ balloon-leg tailored pants, gathered midi skirts with ruffles, practical quilted jackets, oversized shirt dresses and pointed flat stocking boots.

F2F: With so many fashion brands coming forward, what makes your brand stand out?

KB:

BOBKOVA is the brand for a sophisticated woman who appreciates high quality, perfect cut, and sensual femininity. We create timeless casual wear, it is seasonless and could be worn in different circumstances.

F2F: Please tell us about fashion in your country and how the same has evolved over the years.

KB:

Ukrainian brands make clothes that people want to wear. That’s why they are developing well in the international market. These are fashionable, interesting clothes, with unusual elements that speak a little more about its owner. I believe Ukrainian brands have a great future.

F2F: What does sustainability mean to you? How do you include it in your creations?

KB:

Upcycling is a big focus for BOBKOVA, so leftover knit fabrics from the previous collections get reintroduced as artsy details like patch pockets or cuffs. The jewellery from the brand’s recent collection are another example of re-use. They are made by a Kyiv artisan from broken ceramic pieces of his grandmother’s Soviet tea-sets. We also unravel old, knitted items to make the new products from the threads. The Ukrainian flags on our T-shirts also were made of recycled yarn by our craftsmen.

F2F: How would you define fashion?

KB:

For me, fashion is all about having personal style and the ability to dress well. I am not that much into fashion trends, because they come and go too fast. But understanding them and properly incorporating them into your wardrobe is also an important part of it.

F2F: Who is your style icon?

KB:

I consider Tilda Swinton and Gwyneth Paltrow to be my style icons. I love how they can wear mismatched clothes, combine vintage with fashion brands in one outfit, and look stylish and appropriate in certain situations.

F2F: What tips would you like to share for aspiring fashion designers and enthusiasts?

KB:

Be courageous and devoted to yourself, and to the idea that you want to convey. You should define your life philosophy, i.e., your views that you want to broadcast through your clothes. And, of course, live in fashion, watch what happens around. Never reinvent the wheel, never copy others, but create your own.