Montreal: Designer Q&A with Anastasia Lomonova
On a recent Friday night, I sat with designer Anastasia Lomonova (anastasialomonova.com) in her LABoratoire Créatif studio to chat a little about life, fashion and what to do with clothing from past collections. (Answer: She sells them at charity events such as “Au Coeur de la Mode,” which benefits AIDS research. Not bad, right?)
Lomonova is a young designer full of dreams and simplicity. Originally from Odessa, Ukraine, she attended two years at Ryerson University in Toronto before moving to Montreal. Every collection is inspired by a different type of woman: Spring 2009 embraces the sunset and glamour of a strong diva driving through the desert (in a vintage convertible, of course).
Your favourite fabric?
“Silk! I wish I could do every single design in silk.”
Your favourite designer?
“Anna Sui—so feminine. I also like Marc Jacobs.”
Did you wanted to be a fashion designer when you were young?
“Yes. I used to watch fashion shows on TV at my grandmother’s place and draw the models. I also wanted to be a painter, a doctor and a teacher, like every kid!”
Is there a trend or style you can’t stand?
“I simply don’t like style with no personality. Dress how you want, but be creative!”
Do you find Montreal is a stimulating environment for fashion?
“I love Montreal. It’s the perfect place. It’s vibrant, affordable and so stimulating for any artist.”
What’s your motto in life?
“I often feel like I have a pair of dice in my hand and I need to throw them and play. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, but I cannot endure not taking a stand. Throw the dice to live and see.”
You heard her, peeps, start living now!
Shown: Anastasia Lomonova’s Miriam dress
