Zsuzsa Kovacs and Jessica Richard, head designers for Zsega, have created an original twist on modern fashion by venturing outside of expected linear concepts and by infusing bold and sophistication with organic elegance. Draping layers of texture and color are infused with original patterns and hand-made prints, yielding Zsega’s signature look and unique style.
Trish: How did you get into fashion?
Zsuzsa: I always wanted to become a fashion designer, and was fortunate enough to enjoy my parents’ support. My current partner, Jessica, and I both had the opportunity to study with Vivienne Westwood for 3 years in a class of about 24 people. We had a different project each year, and the strongest designs were presented at the annual fashion show organized by the class. Our projects were supervised by Vivienne, and two other excellent pattern making professors. During these three years we had a chance to learn about historical and ethnic cutting techniques, and how to develop them to a modern functional cutting system. We also had to learn how to use the three-dimensional aspect of fabric. Learning the different draping techniques gave each student the tools to develop his or her own special cutting system. We even had to learn how to screen print and knit. It was a wonderful experience for the both of us.
Trish: When did you start your own line of clothing?
Zsuzsa: As I said, Jessica and I both graduated from Vivienne Westwood’s fashion course at Berlin’s University of Fine Arts and Designs. While attending the course, we immediately formed a strong friendship and creative partnership that has lead to establishing our own designer line, ZSEGA. However, after finishing the course, we ventured into two different directions: Jessica moved to London and worked for Vivienne Westwood, while I stayed in Berlin and joined In July, a high-end accessories label. In late 2006, we decided it was time for us to do what we’ve been dreaming of, and this is where fashion model Regina Ujhazi and attorney-at-law Barbara Reardon came into the picture. We joined forces and started the label ZSEGA in January 2007.
Trish: Where do you turn for inspiration for your designs?
Zsuzsa: As most artists, we get our inspirations by simply observing people, faces and places that surround us. We see the stories behind people, and it’s these stories that lead to creating a collection. The cuts, colors, and fabrics are meant to reflect the times, the mood, and the cultures where these stories take place. Beyond this, ZSEGA’s originality and unique style are directly attributed to our separate interests and influences from growing up in two different countries. I’m from Budapest, and Jessica is from Berlin, and we have blended our own histories together to create what we hope to be perceived as a fashion-forward way of thinking.
Trish: Is there anything you steer clear of when designing clothes?
Zsuzsa: We try not to fall into clichés, and avoid letting other designer’s collections directly influence us. The biggest challenge is to be able to reinvent ourselves as artists from one season to the next; creating consecutive collections that are inspired by different elements, while keeping an artful design quality that yields our own unique style.
Trish: How do you see your company in the future?
Zsuzsa: I strongly believe that ZSEGA has a great artistic and commercial potential, and so far all the feedbacks we have gotten from potential clients have confirmed this. Our goal for the next year is to make our women’s line available throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are planning to develop a less expensive line to provide immediate accessibility to a wider costumer base, and expand our men’s and accessories lines. We would also like to open our own boutique in the US by 2011.
Trish: What does your average day entail?
Zsuzsa: I start early in our Berlin studio. First we discuss the pieces from the previous day – how we could make the design or details better. Besides designing, I actually do everything myself – buying fabrics, dealing with our contractors, banking, etc…. We are a very small company, and right now everyone does everything they possibly can to further the ZSEGA label.
Trish: Can you describe your label?
Zsuzsa: ZSEGA infuses bold sophistication with organic elegance. Draping layers of texture and color are combined with original patterns and hand-made prints. The details, such as carefully chosen patterned silk linings, unique buttons, and hand-printed trims make the ZSEGA garments feel very expensive without sacrificing the fun energy intended with the original design concepts.
Trish: Who are your fashion icons (past or present)?
Zsuzsa: Vivienne Westwood – of course…. and Coco Chanel.
Trish: If you had the choice of any designer in the world to work with/for, who
would it be?
Zsuzsa: I would love to work together with a special artist from Berlin, and develop new fabric designs and prints with her. She makes these amazing drawings based on the rhythms and rituals of everyday life that, if combined with fabric, would work unbelievably together.
Shop for Zsega online.
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