ARMENPRESS 2023
10:30, 27 December 2023
Fashion and style are a reflection of inner and outer harmony
We talked with Lilit Melikyan, an artist, designer, director of the Teryan Cultural Center, in the framework of the ARMENPRESS-Podcast, about presenting yourself in an original and stylish way, including national elements and elements in fashion, presenting the Armenian costume in a new and modern way.
As Coco Chanel said, style comes first. Fashion is no longer fashionable, and style can never be fashionable.
— What is your style formula?
— In fact, I have a style that is noticed or appreciated because it is not fake. I am just like this. When I was young, there was a desire to be different from the rest, but there was also a fear that it would be considered acting and not natural. After years, it was revealed that I am really a different person both in my style, thinking and preferences. This style has hardly changed over the years, but it has been considered fashionable both in our country and abroad. I cannot say that I follow special standards.
In fact, fashion is created by people who also create business projects. The idea becomes material, the material becomes an idea, which is forever in the wheel. I don’t understand people who value things so much that they can run after fashion and changing trends all their life. Maybe this thought expressed by me sounds strange, because I also dictate fashion, but I, having come a long way, realized that I have something to say and found my way of self-expression in this field. From the beginning it was not a business project for me.
Then the Teryan cultural center was created, where dedicated and professional people who love the national and see the way of self-expression and bringing ideas to life are gathered in this field. There were many ideas, but the idea and way of presenting the costume in a new way was the most successful, and with that we became famous and loved in our country and in different parts of the world. There is a collection of wedding costumes, unique and stylish models for festive occasions. There are so many and unique samples and collections that it is impossible to even count them.
— What news do you have in the near future?
— First of all, let me say that recently our team was filled with compatriots displaced from Nagorno Karabakh. We will start the next year with the educational program «Educate the Educator». A costume festival will be organized, a craftsman’s union festival will be held with the participation of not only Armenian craftsmen, but also our international partners. There will be many exhibitions in different countries. The year will open with «Fashion Week» and community shows. An exhibition of the new «Kings and Queens» collection is planned for the end of next year.
There are many projects, but emphasis will be placed on the implementation of educational programs.
Listen to the entire conversation on the Podcast.
Tatev Zakaryan