FROM KIEV: THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH GIBSH'S DESIGNER

He knows what he wants Dimitrij Gibshman, a young Ukrainian fashion designer. He showed it a year ago when he founded his fashion brand Gibsh, shown at the Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days with the autumn/winter 2017-18 collection. But this determination is also expressed in this interview, in which he tells of his brand, style and spring/summer 2018 collection, which accompanies his words here.

Dimitrij when did you realize that fashion would have been your profession and, since then, why you decided to found your own brand?

I wanted to be a producer, to make video clips, I wanted to have my own creative agency, to make shoots and so on and every these things are connecting with fashion. I was always sure that if I started to create clothes it wouldn’t be bad. But I live in a country with bad economical situation and to create a fashion label here is very risky. It is important to be patient and do what you want. I decided to be honest with myself and to make brand. I think everything is going nice.

You have recently presented your S/S 2018 collection, the second one. Besides materials and the others tangible aspect, which inner elements of this one differs from the first?

In my opinion the second collection is easier. You can notice one ideological line there. The most interesting element is that sport chic inherent to this collection makes evening gowns look unusual. I made the dresses from T-shirt fabric that is non-standard step. I think today’s world is already moving away from luxury. The second collection is really important for me because it’s my first Spring collection and I made it very light. When I designed Gibsh S/S 2018 collection I didn’t think about commercial things. You can’t find raincoats and other spring clothes there, only dresses.

What does the verb “to experiment” means to you?

The verb “to experiment” means always move forward, always create and find something new. It is like when you create new jeans that are absolute different from others. It means to improve yourself every day.

You have been in Milan, at Super. Which kind of difference do you see between italian and ukranian fashion culture?

I was there on the exhibition and I didn’t have a chance to examine and generally I saw only adults and they look nice, particular Italian men are different from Ukrainian, because they don’t afraid of fashion, they understand that fashion is our culture. I noticed that Italians really like to wear clothes from Italian brands, some people like to wear Gucci and D&G total looks, they like to wear bright elements. As for Ukraine, it is different. There are a lot of tasteless people, especially from the older generation in my country. But of course there are young people that look fabulous and stylish here in Kiev, I work with them and I like to watch how they look. Mostly young guys can elegantly mix clothes and look cool. Undoubtedly young generation loves Vetements, Balenciaga, Rubchinskiy, Raf Simons, Nike, Adidas, they mix everything they see and it looks interesting.

Tell us the entire creation-production process:

It is classical: when you draw sketches then you go to the atelier and show your works. When the clothes are ready you organize a fashion show then you get orders and so on. It is an important process that includes the work of great amount of people.

Which kind of fashion does Gibsh propose?

Gibsh is relevant, contemporary fashion for young people who value and respect themselves. As for me, it is something new for our world. I want people to feel their freedom and their sexuality wearing Gibsh. To tell the truth I don’t design my collections for appointed audience, I don’t know those who buy my clothes. I’m happy that other people like my brand but it doesn’t matter for me who are they. The most importing thing is that a person who bought my clothes was contented.

Future project?

For my next collection I’m going to design menswear. I want to create clothes not for women only. In the future I would like to make Gibsh a successful and global brand that will be known for all over the world. I would like to see people from different countries wearing Gibsh – it is very important and pleasant for me. I want to work forward and win the hearts and minds of people – this is my plans.