1. As far as I know you've got foreign education. Do you think this period is the basic in your formation as a designer?

 

Any knowledge, experience, no matter where they are obtained, here or abroad are priceless. At the moment when we go beyond frames - new space becomes invisable. I count myself among that category of people who do not rest on their laurels, constantly work on themselves, improve and acquire new knowledge. Learning is my favorite activity. One of the latest achievements is training on men style creation, based on their characteristics, personal preferences and field of working. I am certified stylist image-maker. Training was carried out in Moscow. After I learned profession nuances, as a result there was a goal - the creation of capsule collection. It is a new direction for Azerbaijan. The main advantage of the collection that it was designed both for men and women. Unisex is always relevant and comfortable. Collection has been sewn in Moscow.

 

2. How did you start working as designer? How long have you been doing this?

 

Interest in fashion, design was originated in childhood. Cloths, needles were always attractive for me. I even learned to knit at the age of 5. And my first work was long knitted scarve. I constantly participated in various competitions. In seventh grade when Dad asked me about my future profession, the answer was: "I will be a fashion designer!" So I got Masters degree at the Academy of Arts. Later I moved to Moscow, finished course on stylist, makeup artist. Had mastered this direction I decided to go to the State University of Design and Technology, Design of handbags and shoes faculty. There I find out about the school of Vyachaslav Zaitsev and Saint Martins and send them my portfolio. Saint Martins on the basis of interviews and the presentation was ready to enroll me at once on the second course. Dreams come true! But due to family circumstances I rejected it and went to school of Vyacheslav Zaitsev that opened to me great opportunities: invaluable knowledge, experience, new friends .. I was the only Azerbaijani student of 20 ones and among the top five. I created collection called "Today, my dear" and focused on the combination of different fabrics and styles, from English tweed shawls to kelagai. The images were completed, special shoes and hats were also selected. Vyacheslav Zaitsev enthusiastically examined the collection and was impressed with all images. The entire collection was successfully sold.

3. When does the idea of gallery come? How was Natavan Gallery created?

 

After graduation of Vyacheslav Zaitsev high school in Moscow I returned to Baku and opened Natavan Fashion studio. But after 2 years I understood that society was not ready for designer clothing. And at this time my friend, the artist Ali Shamsi advised me to open a gallery. Occasionally I found a suitable place in Icheri Sheher and bought it. Today Natavan Gallery is about 3 years old. That was all I searched the whole life, I found myself at the first minutes of my stay there. The first proposal came from Yarat, they organized an exhibition for young artists and photographers.

Fashion is my passion! In parallel with the projects it has always been present in my life. Then I realized time to change gallery concept came. The gallery will exhibit works related to the fashion world vey soon. It will be photographs, collages, sculptures, models, paintings. Natavan Gallery changed its name to Natavan Fashion gallery and school. If you wish to submit your art works to the gallery you can send your portfolio to natavangallery@gmail.com or make an appointment by phone 012 492 11 89

 

4. How did the idea of school come?

 

The idea of school was born out of a desire to help young designers and to share my knowledge and experience. My students start to change, get inspiration, and believe in themselves; they are ready to move mountains for the sake of the desired goal. And as I see the outcomes I start to change as well. Afterwards I want to invest in this business more and more.

 

5. Tell us about your school.

What topics are covered at course, its duration and age category?

How to enroll, and how much do they cost?

 

The course is called "Portfolio" and includes the following modules: - How to do sketches - How to create illustrations - Fashion history - History Illustrations - Trends - Collection creation (portfolio) Course format: group lessons held 2 times a week / 2 hours. Duration - 4 months. Age range: 11-35. Course price is 200 AZN per month. Individual lessons are also available and the topics can be chosen upon student's request. To sign up for course please contact: 012 492 11 89

 

6. What thoughts come to you when you think about the future?

 

Here and now. There is only a moment between past and future and it is called life.

 

7. Your inspiration sources are:

 

My life, work and everything that surrounds me.

 

8. If you had not become a designer, what would you do?

 

I would become a lawyer in formal suit.

 

9. Your blue ribbon, life principle

 

Immeasurable love of life, the ability to enjoy everything. I am a cheerful person, able to adapt to all circumstances. In every situation I can find myself.

 

10. Tips for designers

 

Do not stop working on yourselves! Time goes, tastes and trends change and requires constant returns and development. - Do not hesitate to get advice from more experienced people.

 

11. Your recent achievement was joint collaboration with Turan Kerimbeyl on T-shirts.

Tell us about collection.

These customized T-shirt collection is a figment of our imagination.

We decided to make everyday, comfortable outfit more feminine by the special cut and stylish prints.