GEORGIA HAS VIVIDLY EMERGED IN THE FASHION WORLD OF LATE, AND IS ESTABLISHING ITS NAME FOR VARIOUS INTERESTING INITIATIVES AND PROMOTING YOUNG DESIGNERS. 26-YEAR-OLD IRAKLI RUSADZE IS ONE SUCH EMERGING TALENT, WHO SAYS THAT HE IS A “DRESSMAKER WITH A PERSONAL POINT OF VIEW ON CLOTHING THAT MAKES HIM A FASHION DESIGNER”. 

THE DESIGNER FOUNDED HIS BRAND ‘SITUATIONIST’ IN 2015, WHICH GAINED FAST POPULARITY, LEADING HIM TO BE CHOSEN AS A SPECIAL GUEST AT WHILE MILANO AND TO HAVE CATWALKS AT THE PRESTIGIOUS MILAN FASHION WEEK FOR THE FIRST TIME. WHAT’S MORE, FAMOUS FASHION MODEL BELLA HADID WORE THE GEORGIAN LABEL SEVERAL TIMES IN PARIS, WHICH WAS VERY STIMULATING FOR THE DESIGNER.

RUSADZE NOTES THAT HE ASSOCIATES HIS PIECES WITH SPECIAL SITUATIONS, TENDENCIES AND CONTEXT; AND THAT’S WHY THE BRAND HAS THIS SPECIFIC NAME.

WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER THIS TALENT IN YOURSELF AND DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE FIRST MOTIVATED TO START A FASHION BRAND?

I’ve had an interest in fashion since childhood, but when I was little there weren’t so many possibilities to find out about the global fashion trends… But I always tried to make contact with the right people who helped me to broaden my horizons in the sphere. I drew sketches and tried to make them – I was 13 when I first made a coat. 

WHAT INFLUENCES AND INSPIRES YOU MOST?

Everything around me: everyday life, the space where I live… Tbilisi is one of the best locations to live and be inspired in. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

Modern, practical, not only for concrete purposes, gender free; for strong people. 

YOUR FAVORITE COLORS WHICH YOU USE OFTEN? 

Black and blue. 

GEORGIA HAS GIVEN BIRTH TO A NEW GENERATION OF TALENTED DESIGNERS, ATTRACTING ATTENTION ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHY ARE THESE DESIGNERS CAPTURING SUCH INTEREST?

Georgian designers are lucky enough to have the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi, which is a great chance to show our clothes to the world and to make contacts with fashion journalists, buyers and other significant people. The second factor is Demna Gvasalia, whose name has helped put Georgia on the world fashion map; his success opening doors for many Georgian designers, like myself. 

YOUR BRAND WAS CHOSEN AS A SPECIAL GUEST AT THE PRESTIGIOUS MILAN FASHION WEEK, DURING WHICH YOUR COLLECTION TROD THE CATWALK FOR THE FIRST TIME. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU?

It was a great experience and I got to work with a number of professionals. In addition, it was a brilliant chance to popularize the brand. This show was really memorable for me and full of positive emotions. 

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR YOU AND YOUR BRAND?

Well, I don’t like to talk beforehand about details and I often make spontaneous changes… In short, I only can say that the new collection of ‘Situationist’ will be shown at the Milan Fashion Week again this autumn and I have at present showrooms in Milan and Paris. Actually, I’m really motivated with my new plans, but I need to work hard to get ahead.