We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Daria Zhiliaeva ("DZ").
Daria is based in Florence, Italy. She studied at Polimoda and graduated in 2013. Daria was born in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. After studying fine art and fashion at the Stieglitz Art and Design Academy, Daria continued her education at the Parisian fashion school Atelier Chardon Savard. Most recently, she obtained a degree in Fashion Design Studies from the Polimoda Fashion School Institute of Design and Marketing in Florence, Italy. She has interned with the Tatyana Parfionova fashion house in Saint Petersburg, and honed her skills further through courses in creative pattern making, and womenswear draping, at the Polimoda school and Central Saint Martins College, respectively.
Daria Zhiliaeva Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Daria Zhiliaeva.
Designer Interview of Daria Zhiliaeva:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
DZ : I have studied painting,sculpture and fashion design at Academy of Art and Design (Saint-Petersburg, Russia) for three years, then I moved to Istitute Atelier Chardon Savard in Paris, where I stayed for one year. Last summer I got my bachelor degree in Polimoda, Firenze. The Hostess of the copper mountain is my graduate collection
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
DZ : I am studying at Polimoda now and hope to obtain my Master degree next spring. Also there is a small project called «February First».It is the online shop (feb1st.com) where I plan to sell simple and beautiful garments created by me and my sister
DI: What is "design" for you?
DZ : Another way to make people happy
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
DZ : Everything is interesting for me
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
DZ : Colours are very important for me. That is because of my studying in the Academy of Art maybe.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
DZ : I never use elements of religious clothing in my designs. Also I try not to invest any kind of darkness and depression in things that I create. It is my understanding of respect and responsibility. I do not want to hurt or offend someone.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
DZ : Shopping center "GALERIA" in SaintPetersburg, Russia gave me an amazing possibility to exhibit my collection in October 2013. Also I had a chance to present «The Hostess of the Copper Mountain» in Munich during Next Motion 2014 Fashion Show organized by AMD Akademie Mode und Design
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
DZ : Now I live in Italy because of my studying and I'm really in love with this country. However Russia is my beloved homeland and my main source of inspiration
DI: How can people contact you?
DZ : My website is www.feb1st.com Also you can find me on notjustalabel.com or write me directly (daria.zhilyaeva@gmail.com )