Veronica Basharatyan: "Each BASHARATYAN V collection dedicated to a certain country."

Veronica Basharatyan, the founder of BASHARATYAN V brand, is a British designer having Armenian roots. Her brand’s peculiarity is interpretation of traditions in the modern style. In an interview with NEWS.am STYLE Veronica disclosed details about her brand and reflection of her nationality in the brand.

Veronica, tell about your Armenian roots.

My father’s side is historically from Artvin, but in early 1900s they moved to Stavropol and my father was born there. They surname has an Iranian root “basharat or besharat” means person who is bringing good news, like good messenger.

Have you been to Armenia?

Only when I was two years old, for a very short time, so unfortunately I don’t remember much, but it is in my diary as one of the main points for this year. I would love to come and visit and study the country for some time to find inspiration for one of my future collections.

How is your nationality reflected in your collections?

Reflecting traditions of different nationalities is one of the main focuses in all my collections. So I would say this respect that was taught to me by my parents when I was little and comes from my Armenian-Balkarian background.

What were your first steps as a designer?

I started drawing and dressing up all my friends and myself when I was about 7 years old. I made puffy skirts with adding socks underneath the belt of the skirt, putting leggings on arms - like a cropped top with tube style dress which was my Mum’s maxi skirt.

How was BASHARATYAN V brand created?

I've started my company BASHARATYAN V Ltd and created the actual brand straight after I've graduated from London College of Fashion in August 2012.

What is inspiring your?

Each BASHARATYAN V collection is dedicated to a certain country and its traditions. Our task is to tell people about the traditions they have never heard of or had stereotypes about through the prism of fashion.

Are you wearing BASHARATYANV clothes?

Sometimes. I have quite a few pieces of BASHARATYAN V eveningwear, some individually tailored garments, but everyday wear - I mostly wear clothes of young British designers - some of them my friends from University.

Are there any celebrities wearing your dresses?

Yes, luckily quite a few. Ornella Muti is one of them She is a very good friend of mine and I have created a special capsule collection for her, Aidan Salakhova (famous gallerist, artist and public person, daughter of Mr Tair Salakhov - very famous Russian artist), Alisa Krilova (Mrs Globe 2011), Fiona May,(athlete, winner of the World Championships twice and two Olympic silver medals for long jump), Tania Zamparo, (ex Miss Italy and TV anchor woman).

Do you plan to open a boutique in Armenia?

At some point yes. I really hope so!