Viktorya Abraham: Fashioning a Journey Between Two Cultures
One tranquil evening, I had the opportunity to connect with Viktorya Abraham, a remarkable creative based in Gothenburg. Facilitated by a mutual friend, our conversation provided a profound exploration into her anticipated feature in Gazetta. As a dedicated mother and designer, Viktorya offered insights into her approach to fashion. Her reflective and genuine tone highlighted her commitment to humility and making luxury accessible to a broader audience. “The clothes are not for everyday,” she clarified. “I do, however, aim to create more pieces for everyday.” This discussion, which led to further email exchanges, also gave me the chance to truly understand and respect her values as a designer, deepening my appreciation for her dedication to genuine and elegant designs.
Viktorya was eager to clarify her stance on material use, particularly regarding past collections. “Tulle was a part of my early collections, but it’s no longer a focus. My goal is to create versatile pieces that meet the unique needs of my clients,” she noted. This clarification is essential for understanding the evolution of her design philosophy, which centers on versatility and real-life applicability.
During our exchanges, she stressed the importance of authenticity in the fashion industry. “In my personal life, I strive to remain simple and grounded,” she expressed, showing a keenness to avoid any grandiose portrayal. Her story influences every aspect of her work, from the design process to her interactions with consumers, underscoring her commitment to authenticity and accessible luxury.
Cultural Canvas: The Influence of Heritage on Design
Viktorya’s design process skillfully integrates the vibrant color palette of her Eritrean heritage with the minimalist ethos of Scandinavian style. “Color is a crucial aspect of my work, reflecting the lively hues of Eritrea,” she explains. This fusion allows her to produce garments that are visually striking yet uncluttered and practical for daily wear.
Her designs aim to evoke a sense of ethereal beauty and sophistication. Each piece is designed with a sense of flow and femininity, blending traditional influences with contemporary fashion, resulting in pieces that are both timeless and captivating.
Viktorya is passionate about creating garments that make a statement on special occasions. “While my designs may not be practical for everyday wear, they are perfect for weddings and red carpet events,” she adds. By focusing on high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, she ensures that her collections resonate with those who appreciate the artistry behind fashion. This emphasis on special occasions highlights her ability to create memorable and impactful fashion.
Design Evolution: From Inspiration to Realization
“The genesis of each design is a ritual that begins with long, reflective walks. These are not merely strolls but profound sessions of solitude where I allow myself to take a break and connect deeply with my creative spirit,” explains Abraham. During these walks, often accompanied by her favorite music or engulfed in the quiet of her surroundings, she contemplates the future wearer of her designs. This process helps her to visualize not just the garments but the personalities that will inhabit them.
“These moments of solitude are where I really get to know my muse—the imagined individual who will wear what I create. I think about how they live, their demeanor, how they interact with others, and even how they might carry themselves in my clothes,” she describes. This detailed understanding of her muse informs every aspect of her design process, ensuring that each piece is not only beautiful but also resonant with the wearer’s lifestyle and character.
When it comes to material selection, Viktorya is meticulous and adaptive. “While my early collections featured materials like tulle for their structural qualities, my approach has evolved. Now, I select fabrics not just for their aesthetic or structural benefits but for their ability to enhance the overall design and wearability of each piece,”she states. This adaptability allows her to explore a variety of textiles, each chosen to complement the unique and stylistic needs of the garment.
“Material selection is a critical phase where I decide which fabrics will best bring the envisioned designs to life, considering factors like resilience, elegance, or comfort,” Viktorya notes. Her choice of materials is a thoughtful blend of art and science, combining aesthetic judgment with practical considerations to ensure that each piece is as functional as it is visually compelling.
Through this detailed exploration of Viktorya’s design process, it becomes evident how her personal experiences and broad cultural influences are intricately blended into her fashion design. Each collection she creates is not only a showcase of craftsmanship but also a reflection of her journey as a designer, making each piece a meaningful expression of both heritage and contemporary style.
Future Directions and Ethical Practices
Looking ahead, Viktorya is enthusiastic about integrating more sustainable practices and materials. “My upcoming collections are about authenticity—reflecting my true self and the woman I strive to become,” she reveals.
Her dedication to sustainability is apparent. “We operate on a pre-order and custom-made basis to minimize waste and ensure perfect tailoring for our clients,” Viktorya explains. She also prioritizes recycling materials from previous collections to enhance her brand’s sustainability.
A Celebration of Self-Love and Timelessness
“Each design I create is an expression of self-love,” Abraham shares, emphasizing the deep connection between her fashion pieces and personal affirmation. “Every woman I have ever dressed or I have seen in my dresses are women who love themselves. Wearing a VA dress is a celebration of that,” she explains. This philosophy motivates Viktorya to ensure that every garment not only enhances the wearer’s appearance but also supports their self-esteem and personal joy.
Viktorya is dedicated to producing designs that transcend seasonal trends, aiming instead for timeless appeal. “My goal is to create pieces that are not just fashionable for a season but possess enduring beauty,” she asserts. This focus on timelessness influences every part of her process, from selecting high-quality materials to ensuring expert craftsmanship in every piece.
Moreover, Viktorya emphasizes the durable value of her garments, designed to be versatile and long-lasting. “I want my clients to invest in pieces that evolve with them, becoming integral to their life stories,” she adds. By prioritizing durability and a style that withstands the test of time, she promotes a sustainable approach to fashion, encouraging clients to view their purchases as lasting investments.
An Invitation to a World of Innovation
As our conversation concluded, Viktorya reflected on the transformative power of fashion and its potential to foster discussions about culture, innovation, and sustainability. Her designs are more than garments; they are dialogues in fabric that prompt us to consider deeper questions about identity and tradition.
Gazetta is proud to feature Viktorya Abraham, a designer whose commitment to realness, innovation, and accessible luxury continues to inspire and challenge the fashion industry. Her narrative encourages us to embrace the beauty and complexity of our times through what we wear, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion to celebrate each individual’s unique journey.
