| One of the most shining stars of the new generation of young Georgian designers, Gola Damian has come a long way since establishing a little atelier in Tbilisi. Now part of a Dalood Group, with his unique aesthetic, Gola creates remarkable collections that are recognized not only in his native Georgia, but also in many parts of the world. His one of a kind designs touch many different audiences, 'there's a piece for everyone' - explains the designer. MORE is LOVE met Gola to talk about his own fashion language and future collaborations. | with Gola Damian |
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MORE is LOVE: When did you know you want to be a fashion designer? Gola: I think I knew when I was 5 years old. I always loved it, but I never thought it’s going to be my profession. My parents wanted me to become a doctor or a diplomat. MORE is LOVE: Tell us about your brand and what makes it different? Gola: Gola Damian is a part of Dalood Fashion Group. My collections are always a little melancholic, but at the same time fun. Only after I finish the collection I can give a name to it. This last one has a sad feel, it's about my friend, who lives abroad. That's why I called it 'It's all about you'. |
MORE is LOVE: Where did you learn to be a fashion designer? Gola: I never studied fashion. When I finished school, I already knew everything they taught in the Academy and I thought it’s a complete waste of time to spend 4 years for a diploma I’d never get to use. My sister, who is a pattern cutter, came from Moscow and we rented a little studio. My photographer friend took some pictures of my designs and they ended up in few magazines. This is how my work started to get noticed and, I guess, this is how I became a designer. |
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If I get a chance, I would love to go study in Antwerp. It is my dream and I hope, one day, it will come true. MORE is LOVE: What inspires you? Gola: It never happens for me this way. It's not like I see something and after, create the entire collection. I tried to do it that way but my collections turned out to be dry. I usually sit and draw the entire collection in one day, and only after I finish drawing I relate it to something. When I was working on my last collection, I was sad and my mind was set on one thing. That's how it was created. MORE is LOVE: Do you think Georgian Fashion is different ? Gola: Yes it is. I think most of the Georgian designers don’t really follow trends. A lot of them do really beautiful things but they are not new. It is very hard to come up with something that has never been done before. |
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MORE is LOVE: What is your biggest achievements? Gola: My biggest achievement is my brand. I did it all by myself, without sponsors. I am not very confident but I never thought that my childhood dream would come true, that my drawings would be turned into garments and that my designs would be sold at MORE is LOVE. MORE is LOVE: Who would you love to see wearing your designs? Gola: Florence from Florence and The Machine. I went to her concert and I wanted to give her some of my designs, but I didn't have them with me. I hope one day I’ll see her wearing Gola Damian. MORE is LOVE: Who is your favourite artist? Gola: I love Hokusai, he is a Japanese, and also David Hockney. He is very cool. I wanted to use Hokusai artwork as prints on my garments, but before I found out it was legal to do so, it was too late. By the way, I have one of his pieces tattooed on my arm. I found an amazing lady, who does the embroidery and she is going to help me to embroider his work on the collection I am working on right now for Paris. |
MORE is LOVE: Who is your fashion icon? Gola: Alexander Wang is amongst favorites. The legend is of course Alexander McQueen. Right now I love J. W. Anderson, I even emailed LOEWE my portfolio hoping for an internship. I am still waiting for a reply. MORE is LOVE: What is your favourite part in the process? Gola: My favourite part is the very beginning. When I draw the collection, I am too excited to see it finished. But the most emotional part is when I come out for the bow. MORE is LOVE: What music is playing in your studio? Gola:I am a party boy. I love hanging out, drinking, spending time with friends, so I usually listen to electronic music. MORE is LOVE: Where do you see Gola Damian in 10 years? Gola: I would love to see my designs sell in Collete in Paris, or Tstvetnoi in Moscow. |
When I draw the collection, I am too excited to see it finished. But the most emotional part is when I come out for the bow.
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MORE is LOVE: Tell us about Georgian Art Days in Paris… Gola: Georgian Art Days is a showroom ran by Sofia Chkonia, and I took part in it which was very exciting. MORE is LOVE: What is the most challenging thing in your profession? Gola: Apart from changing models during the show? (laughs). Honestly speaking, it is when I know what I want, but for some silly reason it doesn't work, or I don't have time to finish it. We usually have 3 months to finish the collection, I do it in 1 month. Why? I don't know why. I guess I spent 2 months just thinking about the collection... MORE is LOVE: Any future collaboration in mind? Gola: Yes! George Bezani and me want to create a line of accessories called 'Cosmos'. We haven't started working on it yet, but it is definetly in our future plans. I would also love to collaborate with German eyewear brand Mykita. |
Love is... "the feeling I can't live without"
