This new series, Design bites, unveil the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of Collectible design on the global design market; these bites offer different views to suit all tastes. Today we talk with Victoria Yakusha, founder of FAINA.

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COLLECTIBLE: How do you define the collectible design and what do you think about its position on the contemporary design market?

Victoria Yakusha: For me, collectible design is not only designing a form but designing messages. It has to ask questions, encourage senses and thoughts. This is a connection with an object on a deeper level. More conscious. The world is tired of mass products, people are more aware of what stands behind. We all seek value.

“In our practice, we always question ourselves - how can we contribute? how are the objects made? And most importantly - how will the object live afterwards?”

C: How do sustainability-related questions influence your practice?

VY: We believe it's essential to live sustainably, in tune with a living world. In our practice, we always question ourselves - how can we contribute? how are the objects made? And most importantly - how will the object live afterwards? Following our philosophy of live design, we've developed our own sustainable material 'ztista‘ which is the base of our SONIAH collection presented on Collectible Salon. It’s the blend of clay, hay, straw, and other living elements created with the idea that, in the future, it can decompose in soil — get back to nature.

C: What have you been up to recently? What are the next projects or exhibitions?

VY: We're working on a new FAINA collection which will be released during Summer Solstice, days of natural renewal. A new collection will include soft furniture and decor made of glass. It's a very exciting and important project for us. Glass is a very live material and we’ve wanted to work with it for a long time. It's about fluidity, purity, femininity. The artisans don’t have the prepared form and pour the molten mass every time, which makes objects much more unique. The exhibition of the new FAINA collection will take place in Paris during June 19-21 with a closed VIP preview on June 18th. You can book a visit writing to us on Instagram @fainadesign.

About FAINA (Ukraine)

FAINA is a brand of live design established in 2014 as a part of the multidisciplinary Yakusha Design studio. Deeply connected to the earth and inspired by Ukrainian culture and crafts, FAINA brings this powerful energy into contemporary design. The collection includes furniture, decor, lighting, and home fragrances released two times per year — during Winter and Summer solstice, days of natural renewal.