Above all else, Bevza prides itself on minimalism and high quality – and it shows. A gown appears to have fewer and more intention cuts in a way that lets the material shine and be appreciated. The suit separates and coats are instant classics, purchased now and still found in your closet in three, four, or even five decades from now. But don’t equate classic for boring. As the paired posters in this lookbook suggest, the pieces are built to let the persona of the wearer take center stage, unleashing the inner wolves on the Upper East Side.
In your opinion, how does clothing speak to heritage and identity?
The way of living (environment) directly reflects the way of visual appearance (let’s call it everyday self-styling). So no wonder that in every country, there are some specific notes that form a unique heritage. It’s a key interest of mine to translate the heritage of my country by means of clothing. In BEVZA collections, I always show something typical for an everyday woman’s wardrobe in Ukraine. Fall 17 was almost a literal “re-edition” of my mom’s late 80s wardrobe. The same collection contained ethnic floral prints taken from Ukrainian old shawls, called hustki, that were put on late 80s edgy silhouettes.
Where have you traveled that has inspired your designs, and how can we see it reflected?
My last visit to New York inspired me much for my AW 19/18 collection that I showed this February in NYFW. The global idea of the collection – eco puffers with no feathers or fur BEVZA THE ANIMALISTIC ARISTOCRATS used that are literally as iconic looking as the fur coats of Sarah Jessica Parker’s from SATC, or Gwyneth Paltrow’s mink coat in The Royal Tenenbaums, etc. The USA is a country of fur-free propaganda, and I’m so into it. But instead of refuting of fire, I propose an alternative.
Your cult ‘fur’ coat will harm no animals in its making! If you could only visit one other country again (besides your own), which would you choose and why?
I love Georgia (it borders in Ukraine and Russia). Tbilisi is a beautiful city with a unique spirit, the amazing architecture of an old city, food, wine and, of course, the people. I’ve got so many friends there. Love always.
Would you rather swim with the dolphins or dive with the sharks?
I believe that one has to experience both in life. I think if you are ready to dive with sharks, you’ll have then an opportunity to swim with anyone you want.
What is your ideal way of traveling and why?
The most important thing is to learn something new during your travels. I get bored only laying on the beach. My only preference is to travel with comfort. It might sound a bit snobbish, but it’s very important for me to have good looking suite with a clean, cozy bed and a bathroom after long day. The best cities for me are those with a certain melancholia. I fall in love with Paris rain, or the night heat of silent summer Toscana.
What classic film would you love to see remade with your designs?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Which country’s street style is most appealing?
Street style during Paris Fashion Week.
If you could hold a fashion show on any national monument or world wonder, what would you choose?
Versailles.
