Dace Zvirbule
Fairy tales have always fascinated Dace Zvirbule, so it’s probably the message behind most fantasy stories, bringing magic into your own life, which drove her to follow her heart and create her own fairy tale. Becoming a mother gave her the courage to leave an ordinary life in the banking sector and design one she loves. Always intrigued with the smallest details and colours too, the Marketing and Finance graduate managed to find something that brings all her passions together with Aristocrat Kids, the girls’ clothing line she launched in 2013.
The charismatic Latvian designer describes how children’s liveliness and lightheartedness inspire her. She also loves to see their excited faces when they discover a secret pocket and how they feel in a magical cape or when they’re swirling around in a beautiful dress. Zvirbule, who creates each garment with a story behind it, also discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, her fondness for folk tales and what fledgling designers can do to create their own charmed stories.
What inspired you to start Aristocrat Kids?
I have always loved fairy tales and, up to this day, I still believe in miracles. (Smiles) The birth of my oldest daughter, Alexandra, brought me the courage to start following my own fairy tale and bringing it to life, and so it goes on by opening a new chapter with each new collection.
Do you ask children for input on your design?
I love working with little ones, I find them very smart and honest, and I love bringing their extraordinary wishes to real life by making magical capes, little secret pockets and having a story behind every garment. My two daughters are my two most critical customers and their advice and input is invaluable! Seeing the smiles on their faces when looking at the collections makes me think I have most probably done something right.
Many wonderful young girls must surround you. What is one thing you’ve learned from them?
I love the way children see life, the playfulness and lightness they bring to it. They are a constant reminder that there should always be time for playing, and what better way than bringing a fairy tale to real life? (Smiles) I have also seen how a beautiful dress makes a little girl turn into a little mademoiselle and that, for me, is magic, also seeing how a garment can carry so much information, even a whole story within it. To keep the story whole in each garment, every piece of the collection is uniquely tailor-made in the atelier of Aristocrat Kids, which is the home of its royal tale.
As a kid, what was your favourite fairy tale? Which children’s books or plays nurture your imagery?
I still find fairy tales to be my most favourite type of literature. I cannot name a single book; I am rather fond of various folk tales from various countries. When I was a child, my grandfather would read us stories, and we’d build magical characters of the tales together with him. There is so much one can learn about a certain culture, beliefs and history when reading folk tales. The older I get, the more wisdom I see hidden in each fairy tale.
Who is your favourite contemporary fashion designer (well-known or up and coming)? Who are the designers / brands that inspire you?
From the designers that inspire me, I would need to mention a strong personality such as Karl Lagerfeld, the lightness he has, his energy and humour. I also find his quotes very inspirational.
The entrepreneurship journey can be challenging. What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
I think the biggest challenge is to overcome your own fears. Being given the opportunity to do what you like in life is the best motivation to keep moving. You have to believe in your idea and keep moving.
What advice would you give to start-up fashion designers?
Start doing, you can never be ready enough to start something, and you can never plan everything before you actually start doing something. Start doing and see where the road will lead you. Often times the journey can be very exciting and unpredictable.
What is your motto in life?
To keep moving and knowing that if there is a situation given in life, it always comes with a solution.
Aristocrat Kids will be participating in the Pret-A-Cover Buyers Lane, the leading revolutionary event dedicated to modest fashion organized by IFDC (Islamic Fashion & Design Council). The event is taking place at Dubai, City Walk 2, from March 28 to April 2. To RSVP, click here: https://www.ifdcouncil.org/attendee-sign-up/
