Dubai-based fashion designer Kristina Fidelskaya has tamed the region with her irreverent grace and style, following her studies at ESMOD Dubai. Perhaps her forte lies in designing sensual and feminine clothes to empower women, granting them the gift of ingenuity. Call it what you may, the designer’s creativity has led her to create her own contemporary luxury brand and her knack for style has made her designs so notorious that they’re now being sold worldwide!

Azyaamode had a little chat with the celebrated designer to find out more about her eponymous brand.

When did you realize you wanted to follow in your mother’s footsteps and become a fashion designer?

My mother wasn’t a fashion designer, she was a painter. I realized at a young age that, like my mother, I wanted to create things that reflect my personality. Fashion and clothes are my creative outlet. Growing up, I watched my mother’s entire creative process from start to finish and when it was my turn, I had her as the best teacher and mentor I could ask for.

My mother was an artist and she always used to encourage me to create, in any way possible. My mother passed down the creative gift to me and I chose fashion as my route.

How did you transform this desire into a concrete future?

To be honest, it is more than a desire. It is an ambition I set for myself. My first step was to better hone my skills by attending Esmod in Dubai.  I’m a firm believer in always committing to what you set your mind to.

The next step was opening my own company, brand and finding the right team. An integral part for the success in any company is assembling a great team who has great energy, drive and enthusiasm for the job. I have a world-class team that is made up of talented and passionate people who understand me and my brand and successfully carry out my creative direction and wishes.

Could you tell us more about Kristina Fidelskaya, the brand?

The Kristina Fidelskaya brand is a woman’s best friend. It is a brand that she can turn to for glamour and confidence, to be the woman she is and always will be.

The Kristina Fidelskaya brand opts for a strong, feminine and progressive approach to all of the design elements. Kristina Fidelskaya always looks to present the beauty of the female nature, silhouette and form through the sophisticated and detail-oriented construction which are designed to empower the modern contemporary woman without compromising on femininity. 

My brand represents my vision of what it means to be a woman. Clothes are a woman’s way of expressing herself and her emotions. Deciding what to wear is a process a woman goes through every day so she can tell the world who she is.

From where do you draw inspiration in each and every one of your collections?

When thinking about a collection, I ask myself, “What would I like to wear?” I find inspiration everywhere – from my surroundings to even my mood. I find that there is no end to the creative process – it is ongoing and constant. The modern contemporary woman also plays a role in inspiring my designs, the woman who sees fashion as a form of self-expression. The designs’ tailoring and structure promote versatility and functionality with a touch of chic and elegance.

Do you find it hard balancing motherhood with work?

It isn’t necessarily hard but by now, I am used to wearing different hats and juggling both as best as I can. In fact, being a mother helped me become a more patient and focused designer and entrepreneur. And working has made me realize the importance of instilling creativity and a positive work ethic to my children. It can be sometimes challenging and hard but definitely worth it.

What would you say mostly sets your brand apart from others?

My brand’s collections are set apart in their elegance and their simplicity in that they help accentuate a woman’s figure in a tasteful and refined manner, without compromising on style. The designs can serve as a blank canvas that will allow the woman’s personality to shine through.

Who inspires you the most in fashion? Any favorite icons?

The fashion figure that I respect is Karl Lagerfeld. He is daring, takes fashion risks and sets timeless trends. He’s been a fashion icon and a source of inspiration to all designers who are looking to stand out and make their mark on the fashion world.

Besides a known fashion icon, the woman herself inspires me – the woman who is feminine elegant, ambitious with a career and an active lifestyle. Any woman can be and is an icon.

Who is the woman wearing Kristina Fidelskaya?

The woman I design for is a strong, confident woman who maintains her femininity and elegance during her busy, on-the-go schedule. She is the woman we all aspire to be with a great fashion sense, being goal-driven and who is simply inspirational.

On another note, do you have any favorite books?

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand is one of my favorite books. The story shows the reader that you must follow your own path, whatever happens. It is important to follow your instincts and to basically listen to yourself.

What would be your favorite travel destination?

Europe in general is my favorite travel destination. The blending of different cultures and the rich history drive me to it.

Cindy Menassa