RIA KEBURIA

Tell us about your beginnings. Liya Keburiya: “I studied marketing and branding before enrolling in the International Fashion Academy in Paris. Initially I didn’t have any experience and each collection was a learning curve.” What is your brand’s DNA? “For me fashion is where the imagination comes true. Gender is also one of the points from which I develop every collection.” Signature pieces? “Hats and accessories.” Are you influenced by your country’s heritage? “My first collection was about Georgian women and their dominant men. There’s also a Soviet link in my creations, as I was raised in Soviet Moscow.” Sources of inspiration? “I like contemporary art, and abstract shapes containing big stories.” Where do you produce? “In Georgia, as its more affordable production allows greater experimentation.” What was the turning point in your career? “Now is a turning point, because I’ve just moved to London to study at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. I’m absorbing everything.” What are the challenges for emerging Georgian designers? “The system isn’t very developed. People look for everyday clothes rather than young, edgy designers.” Collaborations? “I worked with the Russian artist Roman Ermakov for the prints of my SS 2016 collection, and with Fakoshima for the sunglasses.” Any advice for other young designers? “Believe in your work, find your own identity and keep going.” What’s next for Ria Keburia? “I’m working on my e-commerce site, which will be online from February 2016.”

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