Odessa Fashion Weekend gathered the brightest representatives of the Ukrainian fashion industry, art and culture. One of the most notable figures of the event was designer Daniil Gulyaev - an artist-designer, experimenter and fashion philosopher. About the path in the profession, the power of visual art and the future of design - in an exclusive interview for ElitExpert.
— Daniel, how did your story in the fashion world begin?
— Since childhood, I knew that I would create clothes. In 2003, I entered the Technical School of Light Industry in Odessa, majoring in designer-artist. Already in my second year, I created my first collection and began to actively participate in competitions. Then — KNUTD, where I became a process engineer. It was not just an education, but a deep immersion in the profession that became my life.
— You represented Ukraine on international podiums. What events were significant?
— It is important for me to be a part of both Ukrainian and international fashion projects. Every appearance on the podium is an experience, communication, new meanings. I am sincerely glad to belong to the fashion community, which shapes culture, supports each other and speaks to the world in the language of beauty and style.
— You have a recognizable authorial style. How do you feel about trends and fashion rules?
— Fashion is a wave, style is depth. I always stand on the side of individuality. I create images that are not just beautiful, but reflect the character, experience and inner world of a person. This is more important than any seasonal dictates.
— You are known for your creative experiments with materials. What are you working with today?
— I explore the boundaries of form. I weave clothes on the model's body, I use upcycling, I create things from plastic, sand, wood, epoxy. It's not just art - it's a language. My things can be an installation, part of video art or a conceptual exhibition. I'm interested in when fashion becomes a statement.
— You actively work with social issues. Is this a conscious choice?
— Absolutely. Fashion is a microphone. I talk about ecology, gender, identity, war. The images in my collections are not just aesthetics, they are messages. And I am happy that I can convey these meanings in the language of design.
— You work closely with the Royal Family Models agency. Why them?
— Because this is not just a modeling agency — it is a team of like-minded people. They feel the ideas of the collections, create a single atmosphere with us. Thanks to them, the shows always turn out to be deep, emotional. This is a real partnership.
— You have been collaborating with other brands lately. Why did you choose MARINA VLADI and KAPSAMUN?
— We have a common vision. With Marina, we are united by a love of femininity and courage. With Kapsamun, we have an experimental spirit and respect for materials. These projects are a synergy. They allow us to combine different approaches and create something completely new.
— How busy was the last month of work for you?
— Upcycling now occupies a special place in my work — I recycle vintage jackets, giving them a new meaning. I also created a new collection, which I presented at the Odessa Fashion Weekend. It was very interesting and exciting — to see my creations come to life on the podium. I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet many of my fans and new people, with whom I hope I will have the opportunity to work in the future.
Now I actively collaborate with Ukrainian photographers, create images for creative turnkey shoots. I work with artists and bloggers, develop costumes for music videos, stage outfits for performances and events where it is important to look bright and original.
You can contact me directly by writing to my showroom's Instagram: @showroom_by_guliaev.
— What's next? What are your professional plans?
— I want to continue expanding my horizons — new shows, collections, international collaborations. More art projects and integrations of fashion into cinema, music, and performances. My task is to create things that don't just dress the body, but touch the soul.
— What is your main advice to young designers?
— Don't be afraid to be yourself. Make mistakes, take risks, try. Fashion is a journey, not a finish line. And every step of this journey is an opportunity to find yourself.
The conversation was led by Maryna Ovcharenko.
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