On the eve of the 40th anniversary season of the International Competition of Young Designers «Exercise» designer from Irkutsk Lesya Zavyalova, who repeatedly participated in the competition, told about what changed in her life after participation in this project, from where she draws inspiration, about creating her own brand and working on a new collection.

–What has changed in your creative life after participating in the contests «Exercise »?

–Participation in the competition «Exercise-2016», where I got the second place from the collections Achromatic, – the first real creative victory and an exciting experience. It was important for me to hear the opinion and comments of the jury. Inspired by the victory at the «Exercise-2017» (collection Reform), upon returning to my hometown, I started working on a production collection, which in early 2018 went on sale in one of the concept shows-rooms of Irkutsk Berezka Store. The outfits were to the taste not only of Siberians, but also of the capital's fashionistas, several things went to Moscow. In addition, the male half of humanity has shown interest in the style of my things, and I plan to make the next collection for young people.
 
– What is remarkable about the first half of 2018 for you?

– This year my designer brand has the name – BURKA (burka), in the concept of which experiment as an element of the wardrobe, closed openness, ambiguity. To implement my ideas and ideas, I find materials in completely unexpected places, for example, in hardware stores (ropes, fasteners and other non-standard accessories). Many of them have received life in my images and live comfortably there.

 
– Where do you get your inspiration from?

The creative process is endless, streams of images and experiments replace each other. During the year I was inspired by walks, people, Baikal nature, the element of the cleanest lake Baikal on the planet. So the HUNTER collection was born, with which I will participate in the competition «Exercise-2018». At this stage, there is a very serious work and preparation for the competition. And, of course, I'm going with great hope for victory and support!

The 40th anniversary International Competition of Young Designers «Exercise» will be held on September 18, 2018 as part of the 51st Federal Fair «Tekstillegprom» in Moscow, at VDNH.

Photos provided by Lesya Zavialova