Meet Eve & Esther - Modern Classics for the Busy Woman

Eve & Esther is the creation of a talented Russian designer and graphic artist, Anna Bratanova. Her collection grew from the desire to dress women like herself who have demanding careers and young families and no time to think about what to wear but who always need to look their best. With a decided preference for colorful, charming prints, each elegant piece in the collection can stand alone.

What's your name?

Anna.

Where are you from?

Moscow, Russia.

Describe your signature design style in five words.

Modern romanticism, princess, fairy tale, airiness.

What's your biggest source of inspiration?

Love and friends.

Do you think true innovation in fashion is still possible?

Sure! We must always be one step ahead. Without innovation there is no future! From technology to finished looks.

What role does the commercial aspect play for you? Does it limit your creativity?

Not at all. Each collection has commercially successful garments, and we focus on them in production, but we do not forget about creativity and adding outstanding details to attract attention. Our brand is well-connected to a creative component. For each collection we come up with a selection of prints connected with each other, which can subsequently be transformed into commercially successful products.

What other art forms inspire your collections?

Painting and cinema for sure! I watch a lot of movies, especially my favorite, inspirational ones from the era of the '60-'80s!

Do you prefer to follow or subvert trends?

We are not the trendiest brand. We are more about transformation and classics. Our girls are fashionistas, but they are not chasing trends - just like us. A trend is something you like and what you feel comfortable wearing. Of course we do not make silhouette jackets when the street fashion suggests the oversized format, but we do not ignore it either. Our oversized garments are visually large but do not add extra pounds to a woman.

Do you thrive off of spontaneity or careful planning?

We are more spontaneous but just like any other business we cannot go without planning so some kind of planning is certainly present but definitely not 100% of the time. Otherwise it’s boring and not lively.

How do you deal with creative blocks?

We overcome them and look for inspiration, or we just bear with them and do not run from them.

Are you a romantic person?

Oh yeah! Way too much sometimes :)

Do you prioritize aesthetics or functionality?

We try to find a balance, but we never forget about aesthetics! For us it is too important.

Which fashion designer do you have the most respect for?

There are a lot of them. It is difficult to name just one, but I can say that I mostly like fashion that's opposite that of my work: more crude fashion. In this way I maintain my inner balance, making romantic pieces. I also adhere to very different styles in clothes and like contrasting combinations; for example, romanticism with rough rock vibes.

Are art and commercialization irreconcilable?

In my opinion a balance can be found. They definitely do not overlap completely, but one is not possible without the other :)

Did you undergo a formal design education?

I have a diploma in design, but it’s about graphics and video. I came into fashion accidentally, and my main school is experience and a lot of work: making two brands over a seven-year period. The first one was my starting point in the industry, and Eve & Esther has been a conscious and professional step in the field of fashion design.

Do you gravitate more toward designing for men or women?

I make clothing for women. I still can’t make men's fashion, but I understand it!

What first made you passionate about fashion?

Fashion is my drug, and I am addicted. Apparently my character and passion for beauty began in my childhood. My mother is the standard for me. She has always been incredibly fashionable, and now, at the age of 75, she allows herself wide, flared pants or oversized jackets. I respect this!

Once you’ve mastered a certain style, is it difficult to continue evolving it?

Style is a fickle being for me. It develops with me.

Do you work better alone or on a team?

The team is everything to me so my answer is definitely on a team! This is one of the most important components of success in my opinion. I'm lucky to meet great people indeed!

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?

I have been wanting to revisit South Korea for a long time. I lived there for a year during the fourth year of my university studies and graduated in computer graphics there. It is a beautiful country with completely different customs and history and incredible people who are born with a sense of style. Very fashionable!

What is your favorite film?

I have a lot of them. Life is Beautiful, Pulp Fiction, Elusive Beauty - I love films with very different moods. Movies are my passion - emotions, beauty, memories. It is an art that is very inspiring.

Do you have any rituals when starting a new design?

Yes, I always watch a lot of things - shows, exhibitions, and movies. For about two months I fill myself with information before creating.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of fashion?

Sports and travel.

What is your favorite food?

Definitely something meaty. I love delicious meat and wine. :)

What's your favorite month or season?

April.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I drink water.

What is one thing you can’t live without?

Love.