“It is possible to run fashion business also in our country”
For about ten years Tereza Gharabaghtsyan has been specialized in economics and marketing, but during the recent two years she has devoted a part of her time to fashion design by establishing her own brand. We talked to her about fashion, difficulty in combining two jobs and other issues.
What attracted you in designer’s work? When did you take thread and needle for the first time and start working?
It was destined before my birth… (she jokes-edt.) My grandmother was a good dressmaker, later my mother created clothing. I remember me creating clothes for my dolls from remains of cloths. I had very beautiful dolls, which were my “models” and I organized “defiles”. Later, under the influence of different factors my choice of profession ended up with the decision to specialize in certain branch of economics (at present I have general qualification of economist specialized in business management and marketing). Nevertheless, my childhood “game” was left unfinished. Like everybody else I was also looking for a sphere and activity, where I could fully realize myself. My desire to create, compose and to be useful was added to it, and the result was TERESS.
Is it easy to earn money by creating clothing? In general, can designing become a business in Armenia?
I will answer the first part of your question in this way; I think that, in general, earning money isn’t an easy task. In every normal situation it demands much effort and work. And in particular, when we speak about a job, where there is a creative approach and elements of art, the task of earning money becomes more complicated. But it is possible to run fashion business also in our country.
Anyway, I think so and have taken that route.
Which are the shortcomings you have noticed in Armenian fashion and would like to correct?
I want to stress from my point of view that there are really very bright, talented individuals in the still developing fashion sector. My remark relates to both the experienced and the beginners. As for the shortcomings, I want to note that our leaders create and offer in their collections mainly evening and cocktail dresses. Yet, there is a demand to be unique and original every day.
Is it easy to combine the designer’s work and your primary job?
I cannot say that it is easy. Both my jobs demand time, attention and effort. I try to do my best so that the result will not be affected. I must confess, not always I succeed in it.
There is an opinion that only the elite can afford designers’ clothing. What can you say about it?
I will use determined, targeted customers concept instead of “the elite”. Yes, designers can also work with a group of potential customers, who have concrete description. From the point of view of business it is reasoned, and the system must operate in that way. I could speak much about the social, economic and psychological aspects of this issue, but at present I will only say, “Both sides decide the attainability; if the opposite side doesn’t come towards you, you yourself approach it, if you really need it.”
By Shushan Shatikyan
