ATELIER KIKALA

When did you decide to become a fashion design

er? Lado Bokuchava: “I wanted to be a fashion designer from childhood. I worked at Kikala Studio after graduating from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts. It was a photo studio until the owner created Atelier Kikala, appointing me as its creative director.” What

is the brand’s DNA? “Textures and fabrics play a key role.” Signature pieces? “In each collection I try to include eco-leather pieces with handmade cut-outs.”

Sources of inspiration? “Everyday life, usually. The last collection was inspired by the night photography of Ryan McGinley, Nan Goldin, and by nocturnal colours and shades, together with shiny disco pieces from the ’80s.” Where is your brand currently dis

tributed? “Russia, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Kuwait, China, Australia, Ukraine and Belarus.” What about online? “Air Moscow, More is Love and our own e-commerce site.” What was the turning point in your career? “We weren’t well-known until Miroslava Duma wore one of our skirts and we received lots of coverage in Vogue, Büro 24/7 and Harper’s Bazaar. It was a big moment.” What are the challenges for emerging Georgian designers? “Production, especially with accessories. It gets problematic if you want to do something unconventional.” Advice for other young

designers? “Just be yourself.”

E-COMMERCE WEBSITES: atelierkikala.com, notjustalabel.com, air-moscow.com, moreislove.com