This glamorous and ambitious brand once again shook the fashion world with its new creation, which will undoubtedly set trends in the upcoming season. And we have talk with the founder of the brand Irena Soprano
1) Please tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into the fashion industry? What sort of design education did you have?
I have loved sewing since childhood. And when I was still very young, I went to the Modeling and Design School to get a specialized education. At an age of 17, I presented my first collection at a young designers’ compeition. Furthermore, I completed a fashion sketching course at the Fashion Factory school in the Creating a Fashion Brand specialization.
2) How did your education help you become a designer and brand owner?
Getting an education made me more confident that I am on the right track. But what my success is truly founded on is love for what I do, as well as hands-on experience.
3) Could you tell us about your favorite brands?
I really love Dolce Gabbana, I am a huge fan of this brand. I also love Dior and Chanel for their commitment to the brand style, as well as Balmain, for their shoots and presentation. Out of jewelry houses, I adore Chopard and Cartier, as well as Grisogono and, of course, Svarowski. When it comes to kids’ brands, nothing I’ve come across will ever top Bibion, and as a mother of three, I know what I am talking about.
4) Who are your favorite designers?
I look up to the dear Armani, who inspired me to create crystal dresses. I also appreciate Roberto Cavalli, who personally inspired me in 2008 and even shared his personal work contacts in Italy. I love Valentino’s philosophy, as well as his love of red and the Russian language. And to David Koma, I owe the beauty of simplicity in my style.
Among Middle Eastern designers, I greatly love and respect Elie Saab. I am in awe of the team he has assembled all over the world, because I know them personally and can see their amazing dedication to what they do. Recently, I also met Zuhra at a joint fashion show, and was instantly enamored with how delicate she was.
The Russian designers that I admire include Ulyana Sergeenko and Yana Raskovalova.
5) Which field of the fashion industry do you enjoy working in the most?
Right now, I can say with confidence that I am an expert in any field. Because I have been working in the fashion industry for many years, and own companies in all segments: mass market, middle up, and lux. I also have my own atelier and deisgn office.
That said, the premium segment resonates with me the most, even though it is the costliest part of this business. It really is a luxury you have to afford, but it’s also so beautiful and inspiring.
6) Could you share something about your latest collection?
I recently presented to the public several collections that, in one way or another, portray a modern dynamic woman who goes to meetings during the day and parties at night, who can afford to be eye-catching every day. Sexy, daring, confident! That’s what she’s like!
And right now I am working on two collections that differ drastically from everything I’ve ever done before. Sure, there are a lot of crystals and glitter too. But one of these collections is dedicated to the Eastern woman, and the other creates the image of a futuristic spacefaring woman. I won’t give away all the spoilers, but I think the fans of our Fashion House are in for a pleasant surprise.
7) What was your greatest achievement as designer?
I have created the world’s largest collection of crystal items. Yes, there are sometimes similar models in the collections of different designers, after all, this is a trend. But I became the first, and so far only, designer to turn crystals in any all form, from accessories and shoes to evening dresses, into the core of their brand.
8) Who are your customers? Could you describe them?
I will not resort to false modesty and say outright that my dresses have been worn at social outings by Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton, Nicole Scherzinger, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Sara Sampaio and other world stars, Russian singers Polina Gagarina, Valeria, and Jasmin, actresses Maria Ivakova and Kristina Asmus, top models Coco Rocha, Vladislava Roslyakova, and Alina Baykova, as well as many other celebrities.
9) What do you consider an important aspect of a designer’s work?
First and foremost, you need to respect the work of your employees. Without doing the work to make their concept a reality, a designer remains just a dreamer. There is nothing as valuable as the hands that turn an idea into something tangible. That is why I treasure every single person that works for me
I also respect intellectual property and the achievements of others, out of principle. Using another person’s work as a source of inspiration? Yes! Blatantly stealing it and claiming you came up with this? No!
10) How do you keep apace with fashion’s latest trends?
I always have an eye out for fashion. Wherever I am. I don’t follow weather forecasts, politics, movies, or celebrity gossip. All that matters to me is fashion, and self-care.
11) Irena, you have just had fashion shows at the world capitals of fashion: Paris, Milan, Berlin and Frankfurt. Could you tell us about the show that impressed you the most?
Each show is a truly unique experience for me and my team, we prepare for it with utmost care, and are reverently meticulous about our collections. The show in Frankfurt, under the awe-striking arches of the Opera House, was so sensual and profound, it moved me to tears. And of course, there was my October show at the Ritz in Paris: my ambitious dream came true in the best way possible. I did not just stay at this historic hotel on the same floor with the Kardashian family, I did a show there, like the legendary Chanel before me. I was delighted by how well everything had been organized, and I savored the atmosphere of beauty, fashion, and grand style that permeats Paris!
Foto –Alena Nikiforova @sunny_blossom
MUA & HAIR – Ksenia Mishkina @mishkina_makeup
Producer – Nikolai Gurov @n_gurov
Model – Irena Soprano @irena_soprano
Brand – SOLANGEL @sol_angelann
