9 minute read
Ganicheva Nadezhda: From science to a successful career in fashion
by R A M
Ganicheva Nadezhda
by Victoria Dmitrieva
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From science to a successful career in fashion
Besides being a simply elegant woman, caring wife and mother of two beautiful children, Nadezhda Ganicheva is also a successful fashion designer who exudes positivity and kindness. As a designer, Nadezhda is all about making her clients feel confident and empowered while wearing her pieces. Ganicheva has already been recognized for her talent in fashion — she received the title of “Best Image Consultant and Fashion Designer in California” at the prestigious “Best Business Awards Ceremony 2022” and created a gown for the winner of Miss Ukraine California 2022. In between fittings, she found a minute to sit down with the Russian American Media to talk about her fascinating career transition from science to fashion and give advice on how to find your personal style. Nadezhda opened up about the secret behind finding a new path and succeeding in her newfound fashion career and shared what inspires her to create beautiful pieces that are meant to reflect her client’s unique personality.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU DECIDED TO BECOME A DESIGNER. WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?
From a young age, fashion and design have been woven into the fabric of my life. My mom was a skilled seamstress and my older sister’s artistic talents shone through in her self-made clothing. We spent countless hours dressing paper dolls together, and I was always mesmerized by the way fabric and color could come together to create something truly beautiful. My sister Svetlana graduated from an art school while attending a high school and after 6 years of college became an interior designer, specializing in custommade window treatments and draperies. Even though my path took me through the science and education degrees for my undergraduate and graduate studies, I was always inspired by my family and was thinking about immersing myself in design. Fast forward to 2017, when I was renovating my house, I began receiving compliments on my color-matching skills. This sparked my passion for color analysis, and in 2018, I decided to channel this love into creating a scarf collection that celebrated the unique tones of different skin and eye colors.
But I knew I wanted to take my fashion education further, so I delved into the world of fashion design and merchandising at West Valley College. It was through these classes that I met Alyce Parsons, creator of Universal Style International, and was introduced to the transformative power of personal style education. I became a certified image consultant and began building wardrobes for clients, helping them discover their own unique style and create a wardrobe they truly loved.
Now, as a fashion designer, I’m passionate about helping people waste less money on clothes they don’t wear by guiding them
towards pieces that fully fit their personal aesthetics. My upbringing, education, and love for design have all come together to shape my journey as a fashion designer, and I couldn’t be more excited to continue creating beautiful, sustainable fashion that truly speaks to people’s individuality.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS?
When it comes to fashion designers, there are a few who truly stand out to me. One of my absolute favorites is Daniel Lee, who has an incredible eye for blending colors and fabrics in a way that’s both harmonious and stunning. His previous work at Bottega Veneta was nothing short of inspiring, and I’m thrilled to see him continuing to make waves as the creative director at Burberry Group. Another designer who I deeply admire is Carolina Herrera. Her work is simply next-level, with a sophisticated and majestic quality that’s hard to find elsewhere. And yet, there’s also an elegance to her designs that feels fresh and contemporary. I’m constantly in awe of the way she’s able to create such beautiful pieces that are at once timeless and on-trend.
WHAT FASHION STYLES DO YOU LIKE MOST?
When it comes to fashion, I have a few favorite styles that I absolutely adore. First and foremost, I love business casual looks for men and women that are both bold and empowering. There’s something truly special about crafting an outfit that makes individuals feel powerful and confident. Whether it’s a structured blazer paired with a flowing skirt or a tailored pantsuit with a pop of color, I love to
play with different elements to create a look that exudes strength and style. On the other end of the spectrum, I also have a deep appreciation for elegant style. There’s something incredibly refined and timeless about this look, with its clean lines, neutral tones, and subtle nuances. To me, elegant style is all about understated classiness, with pieces that are both chic and versatile. Whether it’s a simple black dress, a well-tailored coat, or a sleek pair of pumps, these are the kinds of pieces that can take you from the office to a night out with ease.
WHERE DO YOU DERIVE YOUR INSPIRATION FROM? WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PIECES?
As a fashion designer, inspiration is all around me, and I draw it from a variety of sources to create my pieces. I find inspiration in everything from beautiful works of art to the natural beauty that surrounds us all. However, I would say that my greatest source of inspiration comes from envisioning the end product and imagining how it will look and feel on a model.
To me, there’s something truly magical about the process of taking an idea from conception to completion. I love to think about how different fabrics, colors, and textures will come together to create a finished piece that’s both beautiful and functional. And when I imagine a model wearing that piece and feeling confident and powerful, that’s when my creativity really starts to soar. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to bring a vision to life and to see it come to fruition on the runway or in a photo shoot.
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE AWARD THAT YOU HAVE RECENTLY RECEIVED.
I am incredibly grateful and honored to have recently been awarded the title of “Best Image Consultant and Fashion Designer in California” by American Russian Media at the prestigious “Best Business Awards Ceremony 2022” in Sacramento. This recognition means so much to me, not only as a designer but also as a stylist and image consultant. One of the highlights of my career so far has been the opportunity to work with Miss Ukraine California as an official fashion designer, stylist, and sponsor. Collaborating with such talented individuals was truly an inspiring experience, and it was a privilege to be able to create unique and dazzling ensembles that wowed the stage.
Receiving this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication that I’ve put into my craft over the years. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that my work is being recognized and appreciated by my peers in the fashion industry, and I am excited to continue pushing the boundaries and creating innovative designs that inspire and empower both men and women.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE IN TERMS OF DEVELOPING YOUR FASHION BUSINESS?
Looking towards the future, my main priority is to continue expanding and developing my fashion business, with a particular focus on providing more style options for working professionals. My goal is to empower men and women with the freedom to express themselves through their clothing while feeling confident and comfortable in their everyday work. To achieve this, I plan to offer a comprehensive wardrobe-building service that incorporates a wide range of materials and clothing options from my own collections. By providing my clients with a diverse selection of highquality pieces, I aim to give them the flexibility and freedom to create looks that reflect their unique personalities and personal style.
Ultimately, my vision is to establish myself as a leading figure in the fashion industry, one who is committed to empowering people through their clothing and promoting sustainable, ethical practices within the industry. With hard work, dedication, and a clear vision for the future, I am confident that I can continue to grow and thrive as a fashion designer and business owner.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVEN’T FOUND THEIR STYLE YET?
For those who are still searching for their personal style, my advice is to stay true to yourself while also being open to experimenting with new looks and trends. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new that you might not have considered before. At the same time, it’s important to remember that personal style is all about expressing your unique qualities and individuality. So, as you explore new fashion choices, be sure to stay true to yourself and your own sense of style. Look for pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and empowered, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles to create a look that is uniquely yours.
Ultimately, finding your personal style is a journey, and it takes time, patience, and a willingness to take risks and try new things. But with the right mindset and a willingness to embrace your individuality, you can discover a style that brings out the best in you and reflects your unique personality and sense of self.
