Corridor40

Cult fashion designer of Odyn Vovk (think rock-goth meets fashion expressionism), Austin Sherbanenko sits with us to talk about his AW10 collection, inspirations and what it took to start the line.

Images via Odyn Vovk

Q: As a fashion designer, what sense of fulfillment do you gain from your work?

A: I like to see the result of each design. Each and every piece moves me to do another. Then, of course, the ultimate satisfaction is when I see someone walking down the street in one of my pieces; it makes what I am doing worth while.

Q: When was the label born?

A: In the summer of 2007. The official launch of the first collection was SS09.

Q: So, the label has been around for a while now. How has it developed along the way?

A: Well, really–to me–it feels like I’ve been doing this forever, though it has only been about 2 years. I feel there has been development each season, that the collection has progressed and transformed. The transformation throughout each collection is what keeps me going. I don’t like doing the same stuff over and over again.

Q: Is there anything in particular that has influenced you?

A: This is a loaded question! I’ve answered this about one thousand times now. I feel as though I have influences, but am not too sure where they come from. My background has pushed me to venture outside on my own and to be productive with my creativity. I have always done my own thing, and I guess that is just an extension of where I have been. I am inspired by many things around me, but little have to do with fashion.

Q: What inspires you right now?

A: My inspirations come to me daily. I can hear or see anything and, if it sparks my curiosity, I play on it. Music, shapes, sounds, bums or architecture. Could be anything.

Q: How do you start working on a new collection, and how do you go about designing garments?

A: The way I develop each collection is very organic and spontaneous. I don’t leave the space I work in for quite some time, so I am surrounded by my garments, art and collectibles that inspire me–and, of course, my music is always on. I usually start a season with a color palette and fabric swatches, and the ideas start rolling. Every night I go to bed thinking about what I’m going to make the next day, and–when I wake up–I briefly sketch something and make whatever I ended up envisioning in my head.

Q: How would you describe your relationship with clothing?

A: Love/Hate. I love developing my own concepts and ideas. I love being in my own space and being able to create whatever the hell I want. What I don’t like is, well, many things…but I wont talk about that. No point.

Q: What have been some hurdles in starting your own label, and how did you overcome them?

A: When anyone starts a new business venture, there is a lot that is unknown. As you go along the way, you learn by trial and error. I fixed my errors by perfecting my work, being more consistent and mastering my weaknesses.

Q: Tell us about the label’s name and meaning. What does it mean to you?

A: Odyn Vovk translates to “one wolf” in Ukrainian. The story dates back to the 1940s when my grandparents escaped from a labor camp during Nazi Germany. The “one wolf” originally represented my grandfather. He did everything and anything he had to do to keep his family alive and safe. He was like a wolf that hunts to maintain his existence. Now, because of his story and hardship, I carry that with me. I have lived my life knowing that I have to create my existence and care for the ones I love and things around me. Being driven to survive on my own is essentially “Odyn Vovk”.

Q: We hear that you are currently working on your AW10 collection. What can we expect to see?

A: You can expect to see a more “refined” ODYN VOVK. It’s the same quality and construction, plus creative stitching techniques and precise patterns. This collection is a leap away from my last assembly of garments. I try to keep it new–not only for myself, but for the consumer. It’s fresh. This collection is full of remarkable fabrics that not only enhance the garments, but make them incredibly wearable.

For more information on Odyn Vovk, visit http://www.odynvovk.com/