KRISTINA SVIDERSKAITE
LEGENDARY INTERVIEW
Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Kristina Sviderskaite ("KS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.
DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?
KS : My start of career is very simple. I have finished fashion design studies in Villnius Academy of Arts, where I have got bachelor and master degrees. After graduation I started work on my own projects. I create fashions collections, participate in fashion events and competitions, have different experience with clients.
DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?
KS : It was my childhood dream to be a designer. The main motivation is fulfilment of seeing the result and also the creative processa and happy client.
DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?
KS : It was my own choice, which one I never regret .
DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?
KS : At the moment the main area of my design is womenswear, but I would like to create more for men.
DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?
KS : Firstly, they should believe in what they are doing and never give up when it is hard time. Also, it is necessary to participate in different competitions and show creation to public.
DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?
KS : I think the great designer have more ambitions, more ideas, excepts more challenges and never give up.
DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?
KS : A really good design should have 3 main things - function, aesthetics and massage for society
DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?
KS : The main value of good design - the quality. Everyone should invest in good design, because it not one - day or even one - year investition.
DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?
KS : I would design for women as I am doing now, also I would like to create more for men. I would like that my client would have free and easy going spirit; would be modern, liberal and stylish.
DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?
KS : I think my dream project for future is collection of men fashion
DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?
KS : The secret recipe for success in design is belief in what you are doing, creativness and an activity. My secret ingredient is learning from my own mistakes.
DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?
KS : My masters on fashion design are Yohji Yamamoto, Jil Sander, Martin Margiela, Chalayan, Raf Simons.
DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?
KS : Minimal form and surprising constructions. I like merger of simplicity and complication.
DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?
KS : I think my greatest design was my master collection "19862020". I appreciate all aspects - concept, fabrics, colors, constructions, presentation. I am proud of it even today, after 5 years.
DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?
KS : I think the main thing in improving to be a better designer is just daily practising and learning.
DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?
KS : I had a little dream to become a vet, because of my big love for animals.
DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?
KS : My design is dedicated for sophisticated, stylish and modern woman and man
DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?
KS : I think the main supporter is my family.
DL: What helped you to become a great designer?
KS : For becoming a designer I should say "thanks" for my family and firends for belief and support. Also I would like to thank myself for not giving up and learning from mistakes everytime.
DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?
KS : Firstly, it is mistakes and doubts about my career and calling. But all these hard times just showed me my own way and my true mission.
DL: How do you think designers should present their work?
KS : I think designers should to take a chance to present their work to public.
DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?
KS : I am thinking about new collection at the moment. I think it is possible that it would be dedicated for women and men both.
DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?
KS : I would like to have an international career: show my collections in fashion weeks, participate in different showrooms, competitions, also have my own succesfull fashion studio - company.
DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?
KS : I think they expect something different, surprising, and of course something in high quality.
DL: How does design help create a better society?
KS : Design has very important role in society. It can improve different areas, functions, can help people comunicate, can give more comfort, pleasure. Also it could send a specific massage for society about future, global questions and problems, comunication.
DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?
KS : Now I am working on scene costumes for contemproary dance play. It is new experience and I am excited about it.
DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?
KS : I think it was collection "SWAN AI KI DOKA". I was reallty satisfacted about it's forms, constructions, colors, concept and also photoshoot. It was just amazing - we have done under stairs in canes!
DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?
KS : I would like to see more quality and less fast things
DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?
KS : I think design is heading to consciousness and quality and global problems
DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?
KS : It takes differently, but mostly 3-6 months.
DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?
KS : I always start it in my head, I can carry my new ideas long time and then when it is time - to start do more.
DL: What is your life motto as a designer?
KS : Do it with passion or not at all.
DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?
KS : I have an opinion thatt design set the trends.
DL: What is the role of technology when you design?
KS : Technology gives a lot of possibilites in creative process and sometimes can really have an influence on design.
DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?
KS : I am using very simple equipment - basic measures, paper, manequine, sewing mashine, computer and etc.
DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?
KS : I think it is really big role and all these tips are very important. Mostly it is a massage about design concept. So they are not choosen accidently.
DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?
KS : I would like that people always ask me about my created clothes transformations - possibilities to wear them in different ways.
DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?
KS : Mostly I think about main massage which is in this design -what it is about?
DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?
KS : My ideal design partner should be very patient, supportive, mindful and creative, . I believe in co - design, but don't have it succesful yet.
DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?
KS : All interesting people, which I have met, have an influence. They are a part of my inspiration.
DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?
KS : I think psichological books, poetry have the most effect on my design
DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?
KS : I have a workshops, lectures about design and fashion. Also I am often reading articles or books about my interest in this areas.
DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?
KS : I would like to meet Jeane D'Ark, Marina Abramovic, Phillip Strack, Zaha Hadid, Boris Bidjan Saberi, Mucia Prada, Bill Cunningam, Iris Arphel.
DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?
KS : For me it is qiute hard, but also gives a feeling of centrepiece and motivation.
DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?
KS : My favourite color - mint, place - forest, food - pumpkin soup, season - spring, thing - book, brand - ACNE
DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?
KS : I have a funny moment when my client come to me and asked to show all possibilities to wear her new dress (she brought it boutique). She even took photos for every option.
DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?
KS : The day is great when I have a clear peaceful mind and can concentrate on new ideas and projects. Also it is so good when I have meeting with client and receive a good response and smile. I motivate with this - "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations"
DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?
KS : It think, yes. I liked to sew clothes for my dolls and for myself later. Also I was really in love with painting and drawing.
DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?
KS : I think in the future we don't have much real things, such as real conversation, real food...
DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?
KS : Almost all my created clothes are transformable - they can be wearable in different ways. And this thing in my design shows multifunction and also responsible use of cloth.
