Based in: used to based in Kyiv, Ukraine (before war started)

Founded in: 2011

Founded by: Family duo Ksenia & Anton Schnaider

Store: kseniaschnaider.com (shipping worldwide)

Price range: 150 - 650 euro

Instagram: @kseniaschnaider

Dear Ksenia, welcome to A Sustainable Closet. Can you please tell us who you are and why did you start your brand?

I started developing my fashion design career at 16 and since then I never get bored of fashion.

You have been acknowledge as a pioneer in eastern Europe for your sustainability work. Can you please tell us more about your up-cycled collections and other sustainability efforts?

Sustainability happened before the birth of our journey as a KSENIASCHNAIDER.
For example, Anton, as a graphic designer, always shares the idea "is it worth it?”. From this question, the answer opens: he prioritizes the rational approach to any work. Anton's approach as a designer is expressed in his work. First, he will think and ask about how ecological it will be: what idea and message the product will carry, how much resources need to be spent on manufacturing, how much labour will be needed, and so on.
The message remains to create a product without harm, with respect for our team, customers, and not out of a desire to sell, so here our statement comes: “Sustainability is our responsibility”. We initially altered and used vintage clothes as the material from which the collections were created. We had a slight fear to make a statement of our resources, because we were afraid of not being understood and accepted, but for the last 5 years, the market has been taking it in and finally being aware of it.

How do you choose your design and get inspiration for your collections?

I am always inspired when I start working on something, for me inspiration is a chain reaction.

You are from Ukraine that are currently being attacked with horrible consequences for millions of people. Can you please tell us about how your business is impacted and you personally?

One month ago I finished my Fall/winter 22-23 collection and we were preparing to have digital appointments with our buyers. At the same time we were expecting a DHL courier to pick up samples and deliver them to China right before Shanghai Fashion week. Instead I and everyone in Ukraine woke up to frightening sounds of air-raid sirens and a message from our President that Russia started the war against us. Our entire 30-person team has been forced to prioritise their safety and take care of their families during the war. Our business has been brutally halted. Today I and my team are blessed to be alive and safe, with some of us abroad and many others still hiding in bomb shelters with their own families.

For those who reads this and would like to support you or Ukraine in general, what can they do?

On our website we posted few useful link to donate to Ukraine. As well you can purchase our certificates (which will transfer into discounts or presents after war ends) to help to provide our team with food and medicine.

INTERVIEW #67 KSENIA SCHNAIDER

INTERVIEW #68 KLUE CONCEPT

INTERVIEW #66 TINTOMARA