Vanda Fondunaeva for Emerging Talents

Label Vanda Fondunaeva was founded in Manila (Philippines) by designer Alisa Sibgatova in 2008.
In the times when fashion dictates tendencies such as street style, unisex and oversize Alisa Sibgatova fiercely puts focus on femininity, sharp lines and clear shapes. “My models have character,- designer says.- And I underline it with hand weaved cords. Colourful weaves reflect women’s evolving nature.” Unique hand weaving is the distinctive mark of the brand. The designer creates collections for women of all ages and styles who aren’t afraid to stand out and be attractive.

Alisa Sibgatova uses only high quality Italian fabrics: silk, cotton, genuine leather. Main theme of the collection is powerful and mysterious East. Looking at the prints and details on the models you can easily imagine blooming Japanese gardens, skies at the dawn, field with bright and beautiful flowers. The designer emphasizes bomber jackets in Asian style, jeans with Japanese brocade details, blazers with hand weaving, corsets, anime style jackets and of course important to mention the brocade is covered with silk organdy. The center of attention is transformative skirt made of 8 wedges with zippers that can be mixed as your mood tells you. Classic East culture is aligned with modern manga, anime and even ninja style. All silhouettes are feminine, sharped and thought out.

 

SNM: You have a very interesting name of the brand. Were you inspired by famous Venus in furs by Leopold von Sacher- Masoch? Can you tell us more about the concept of the brand.

Alisa Sibgatova: Yes, I read the book when I was 14 years old. Could not quite understand the global meaning of the book but I liked the way Wanda was described. So for the first completion of young designers in Saint- Petersburg (where I studied in university) I took the name and change it to Vanda Fondunaeva. The main concept of the brand is the woman as a Venus. I like the forms and structures of clothing that shows women shapes , underlining the feminity and softness. The main inspiration comes from Classic East culture combining with modern West trends.

SNM:What does unique style and standing out of the crowd  mean to you? Who is your woman?

Alisa Sibgatova: My woman isn’t afraid to be noticed, not afraid to be different or misunderstood. She is strong and soft at the same time. Knows how to be serious and playful, knows how to be happy and love.

SNM: What was the inspiration behind SS18 collection?

Alisa Sibgatova: Main theme of the collection is powerful and mysterious East. Looking at the prints and details on the models  you can easily imagine blooming Japanese garden, skies at the dawn, field with bright and beautiful flowers. Soft brocade and leather is the combination of two worlds. It makes you want to travel to get more inspired for your life.

SNM: Can you tell us more about handmade weaving technology that was used in your iconic  bomber made of Japanese brocade decorated with dragons and firebirds?

Alisa Sibgatova: Handweaving is made of the unique cords made in Russia and Belorussia. The cords itself have elastic structure so it gives an opportunity to make clothing that can stretch and follow the body shape. That was the idea at first. Later it went as the decoration for jackets and bombers.

SNM: When you started your own brand, what were the difficulties you have faced? What advice can you give to an Emerging Designer who is just about to launch his/her own line?

Alisa Sibgatova: I started my brand in 2008 in Manila, Philippines. I fell in love with the country and decided that’s a place I’ll be living in for a while. I think the main difficulty is to understand what do people need in the exact market you are going to sell. Coming from China and Japan where regular 2 season collections is a deal to always “Hot and humid” Philippines was a big change.

I figured that I don’t need to do warm clothes or suits anymore. The main idea was to make dresses and evening gowns. I always ask myself what market or area I want to sell. What do people have or don’t have there? What are the main not fashion but street trends? It gives a clear idea of how you structure and build your collection. Then what you can add from your own experience, what can be surprising or what can be unique for that market.