Lillian’s Line
By Lilliana Dinga
Who is Liliana Dinga-Zenyukova?
I was born and raised in a small provincial city called Yakkabog located in a beautiful sunny part of Uzbekistan. Growing up my role model was my mother who also passionately loved sewing. Since I was 5 years old I was my mothers little helper, on her knee while she sewed dresses. After four years of college in 2012 I immigrated to Canada. Based on my skills alone, I was able to get my first job at an alterations store despite not speaking any english. Now I work for North American Construction Group but I never gave up on my passion for design and still continue to create one of a kind pieces for girls to have their princess dreams fulfilled.
What excites you about the fashion industry?
Seeing the happy faces of beautiful girls. I love being able to express my creativity with people that I work closely with like photographers, stylists and other designers who are on the same wavelength
Where do you find inspiration and what is your creative process?
Most of my designs are evolved around mother and daughter themes. I like it because that is how I express my love. I believe unconditional love between mom and daughter is essential and constantly inspires me to create more
What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
My biggest strength is that I understand the needs and wants of my clients. I never try to talk anyone out of the initial idea they bring me. Instead, I help guide them by suggesting different options of colour and styles. One of my weaknesses that I am working on is that I can be meticulous. I work excessively on some of my projects to ensure that every detail is right. Which in the end is good because I am able to ensure the end results are of the highest standard of work
In an industry that is constantly changing how do you stay up to date with the trends?
Despite my 25 years of experience in this industry, I am still learning. I am taking online courses to better myself and my skill. I am currently taking a course to excel in laced drawing techniques.
Who is your favourite designer?
Roberto Cavalli. He, like me, learned the craft and his skills from his mother. I love how he emphasizes the feminine and sexy side in his collections to ensure he has a style for every woman.
What music are you putting on to get yourself into a creative atmosphere?
When I work I usually listen to Sting and when I need to get really creative, Lady GaGa.
Tell us something about you & your background?
My mom was born in Vietnam and came to Canada alone as a refugee in her late teens. Her first job was as a seamstress in Medicine Hat. She loved sewing and even made her own wedding dress. She transferred this passion onto me - I remember doing embroidery as young as four. She passed away when I was 17 and I still miss her every day. I started FAUN in her memory; as a way to empower people in Vietnam through our production but also to keep her love of fashion alive.
Describe something that excites you about the fashion industry
I love the fast paced nature of the industry. Time flies by when I’m working on designs, on a photoshoot or backstage at a show. I also love the people. I studied Political Science and Economics for my undergrad and didn’t connect on a deep level with any of my classmates. But when I got into fashion design at the London School of the Arts it was completely different. I developed fast, life-long friendships with everyone in my program. It was so refreshing to meet other high-energy people who share the same love for art and fashion.
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
I think most of my greatest strengths are connected to my weaknesses. Firstly, I get bored easily and can’t do something unless I’m interested in it. It is a good thing when it comes to innovating new designs and dedicating myself wholeheartedly to my passions. But it’s a bad thing when I need to do things like invoicing and taxes. The second one is my empathy. I really care about people and love that about myself. But that is often riddled with anxiety and worrying too much about what others think.
How do you stay updated with the trends in the fashion industry?
I follow all my favourite designers on Instagram and love watching live feed runway shows during Fashion Weeks. I also attend WWD’s biannual trend forecasts online.
Who is your favourite designer?
That’s a tough question! I can’t just pick one. I love Phoebe Philo for her innovation, Alessandro Michele for his vibrant maximalism, and Stella McCartney for her commitment to sustainable design.
What do you do to stay inspired?
My designs are inspired by people and nature, so I love to travel. The combination of people watching and seeing different landscapes always triggers ideas for new designs. When I’m home, I stay inspired by playing around with different creative mediums; painting, photography, dance, guitar, and jewelry makers are some of the ways I like to work my left brain.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met and talked with?
Miss Jay from America’s Next Top Model attended my AW1920 show at New York Fashion Week. I had the opportunity to talk to them after the show and I was completely starstruck!
What is the best pair of shoes you have owned?
My most worn shoes are the Van’s Old Schools and my most fabulous pair are these navy velvet over the knee boots I got from a boutique in Paris - I wear them to most fashion shows because I love how they make my legs look.
What music do you put on when you want to get pumped?
ABBA! Or Shania Twain.