Interview with the brand founder of Paradise Row
Featured in The Times by Anna Muphy’s “Best Bags Under £500” and now stocked in Bergdorf Goodman in New York, we are excited to present to you an in depth chat with the inspiring brand founder Nika.
Sara Veneziano, a 25-year-old designer from Salerno, embarked on her artistic journey at age 15 at art school, specialising in drawing techniques from watercolour to oil painting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and a first-level Masters in Accessories Design. Particularly drawn to footwear and leather goods, her Masters’ program enabled her academic and personal growth through projects with industry stalwarts like Fendi, Ferragamo, and Furla.
INTERVIEW WITH SARA
Tell us about the inspiration behind your project:
I (M) P E R F E C T aims to enhance the concept of defects through the creation of a material that is deformed in the manufacturing process by reusing defective skins. My inspiration came from observing the waste leathers inside the tannery and through certain procedures developed with the reduction of water and electricity through a long phase of study and research, the defects are enhanced by acquiring greater visibility and importance.
What has been your experience in working with leather for this competition?
This project came to life during my internship at Russo di Casandrino. There I started to really acquire a strong feeling for leather and the importance of the value of the material. I was fascinated by the production processes and the amount of leather waste that led me to want to recover it and give it a second life.
What are your thoughts on leather and sustainability, and how you think leather can adapt to a fashion industry increasingly focused on sustainability?
There are various aspects of sustainability, and it is no coincidence that my project is precisely designed around this aspect, focusing on recycling, water reduction and energy reduction. I think the value of leather should not be lost, but through certain processes we can move on a concept of sustainability without changing its value and quality.
What do you think makes leather a great material to design with?
I think it is a versatile material suitable for all kinds of occasions. I also think that leather is a very valuable material that is very often not given the right value.
Click here to view all the shortlisted entries from this year’s International Competition.
Click here to learn more about leather and sustainability.
Featured in The Times by Anna Muphy’s “Best Bags Under £500” and now stocked in Bergdorf Goodman in New York, we are excited to present to you an in depth chat with the inspiring brand founder Nika.
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