Fedor Diakonov is a student at the Royal Academy of Antwerp who is pushing the boundaries of fashion with fantastical creations. Young talent to say the least, Diakonov has potential to be one of the leaders of the new generation. We are grateful for the oppurtunity to have been able to interview him.
AK: Let’s go back to the beginning , what was your childhood like growing up in Moscow?
FD: I really liked growing up in Moscow. I have a very loving family. It was a very exciting place and
time to be. I was born in 1997 and when I was growing up the city was transitioning from a Soviet
capital into a big European city that it’s today. Moscow is the city of contrasts , we have so many
beautiful historical buildings and amazing metro stations opposed to grey outskirts and underground
clubs. Yes , I loved growing up in there , it was a great experience but I think that I outgrew the city so
I moved out.
AK: When and under what circumstances did you decide to pursue garment design?
FD: I always liked visual arts. When I was a kid I drew a lot, did small sculptures, makeup etc. It was
just natural to me to choose fashion as a path of further development. For me fashion is not only
about design, there’s so much more to it , it’s an image , style , music , feeling , everything that
makes you go WoW.
AK: Why the Royal Academy of all schools? And what would you say makes The Academy stand out
of the crowd?
FD: My foundation teacher advised me to go to the academy, she has graduated it and said that it
was an amazing experience! I think our academy has it’s big name because of it’s unique approach
and environment. We’ve had many successful alumni so it really attracts a lot of people.
AK: How did you feel when you presented your first full collection?
FD: I felt relieved… I’ve put a lot of hard work into it. I’m still not fully satisfied with the outcome but
practice makes better I guess.
AK: Your latest project “The Family Portrait” where did the idea come from? What’s your story
behind it?
FD: I was inspired by my childhood and my relationship with my grandmother and aunt. When I was
4-5 years old I loved doing makeup for them. I had so much fun doing it so I’ve decided to bring it
back. I took care of makeup and styling for the shoot and my friend Anton photographed it. It was so
inspiring to work with my family again!!!
AK: How do you perceive current state of the fashion industry? Is there something you’d like to
change about it?
FD: Of course, I would change so many things! First of all we have to think how to make fashion an
eco-friendly business. From my perspective it’s very important for us to spend and produce less.
AK: What is your outlook on Profit vs. Creativity?
FD: I think that everything should be balanced. I have done many crazy looks in the past but now it’s
really important for me to create something wearable but at the same time full of personality and
extraordinary design. I’d say it’s a new challenge for me.
AK: Any plans for your own label?
FD: Currently I work for another brand and it takes a lot of time but in the future I’d love to create
something of my own, maybe not a brand but some kind of project on the verge of fashion,
photography and art.
AK: Following the previous topic , what’s your outlook on consumerism?
FD: I’m really happy that you’ve asked this question! I do see a big problem in today’s fashion
industry. People are working non stop on 4 or more different collections a year. I absolutely think we
just have to slow down and think how we want to shape the future system because clearly the
current one is broken. I don’t buy a lot of clothes and often buy at vintage shops.
AK: Being a creative , do you pay much attention to what you wear?
FD: I absolutely love wearing something beautiful (who doesn’t?:) ) I have different moods all the
time though and sometimes I wanna wear something special , interesting and sexy , usually when I’m
going out or in a good mood and sometimes I just wanna wear a hoodie and jeans just because it’s
comfortable and warm.