olivier
ZUKERKA [zu’ke:rka] is Ukrainian for ‘candy’. In the same way candy has its own unique taste, we create our classic handbags with a twist to suit every woman’s style. Thebrand was created out of a passion for trendy straw bags in 2011.
What is the concept ? We are an independent slow fashion brand which allow us to control every item and propose tailored to demand high-quality goods.
More about you ? I was born in a small ukrainian city in the 80s, so raised with limited choice for everything. I was nutrished by what I had accessible : foreign fashion magazines, cinema, TV series and golden age movies. My mom was a strong influence and a great support. We made my first strawbag together using natural straw canvas from DIY set and old leather belt with woven parts for handles. I was 18.
After gratuating St Martins in London, I took a Fashion Management course in Milan, then I specialized in leather handbags design and manufacturing in Bordeaux.
Who is your customer ? An active woman with style, elegance, who always has something to put in her bag. (smiling)
Can we ask your age ? Yes, I am 38 . I do not feel my age, I believe the elder you are the wiser you are. Just make sport and take care of the beauty.
Why fashion ? I came to fashion after work in information technologies. I was successful and well-known in my industry. One day I asked myself what would make me really happy and set my bags design brand up.
A fashion Icon Jane Birkin. I also have lots of Alexa Chung , Giovanna Bataglia –Engelbert, Jacky Kennedy and Lee Radziwill outfits on my moodboard.
Worst fashion faux pas ? when someone wears stylish our expensive outfit with fake Chanel or Dior bag
Your style ? I have two young children, lot of things to do so most of time I am casual smart, but with a twist.
Favorite outfit ? I have two favourite outfits : just jeans and white tank top or shirt and the 2nd is a swimsuit.
Favorite piece in wardrobe ? My old straight fit GUESS jeans, when I wear them I feel myself fit and beautiful.
A fabric ? Straw J with its special tender smell, for me this is nature, warmness, sun, I feel all that when I take my straw bag in my arms. Denim and linen – for me they are timeless.
A color ? Navy is my black , for the other – it depends on my mood, current inspiration, projects and application
Sources of inspiration ? First this is Nature and foreign countries I discover which are so different from ours. I call them “Another world” with its distinct cultures and heritage, colors and shadows, architecture and decoration. Then, there are artworks, paintings, furniture and interior decoration and of course the cinema.
A decade, a century ? I have an real interest for antiquity and renaissance, but I really like the time we live in now.
A soundtrack ? Bohemian rhapsody by Queen
A movie ? I am still fascinated by Casablanca, the story, the actors, the outfits.
A book ? I moved a lot, I changed the house, the city and eventually the country, and my precious small volumes of Pushkin’s poetry were always with me and will always be.
A piece of art ? Lately, amazing pieces by Auguste Rodin like his famous hands sculpture compositions are on my mind. The symbol of hands is crucial for me and for my brand. All our products are handcrafted and the valuable hands of our artisans are fundemental instruments.
A city, a country ? There is a city dearest to me, deep in my heart, that I always miss and where I have so many memories and stories :My city, Kiev, Ukraine.
Few years ago I fell in love with amazing and colourful Mexico, its nature, people, cultural and historical heritage. Dreaming about Japan, I feel some sort of internal connection with this country.
A cause ? Children, they are our future, they are great motivators and always my priority. (She didn’t mentioned but Katya also took part in local charity initiatives during confinement)
Three fundamental values ? Honesty – Lightness of being – Hard work