I wanted to interview Helena, a young designer and artist for Notez by Naomz, because at just 25 years old, Helena is passionately following and living out her dream. We all have our own dreams, and whilst they all differ, we can all learn something from each other, which is a valuable and rare thing. Motivation, perseverance and passion is applicable to all industries, dreams and life paths- I wanted to understand Helena's a bit more, so we can all soak up some of her drive and incorporate it into our life. Of course, I also want to use this opportunity to showcase her amazing talent. I hope you all enjoy!
Helena is a talented, young artist who obtained a Bachelor in Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design in New York back in 2017. Throughout her time at Parsons, Helena remained focused on pursuing her career within the world of textile design by interning for renowned fashion houses and competing in numerous global design competitions.
That is how I met Helena. 2018, Lakmé Fashion Week, Mumbai, India: Helena’s label was one of the 5 selected young brands of the Lakmé Gen Next Mumbai Fashion Week competition. Each season 5 young designers are selected to showcase their work among established Indian designers at the country’s largest fashion event.
As an avid fashion lover myself (unfortunately without Helena’s talent to accompany the #passionforfashion), I decided to attend Lakmé Fashion Week. Mumbai in mid-January means the sun was burning down on guests attending the event at Jio garden. Realizing I desperately needed hydration if I was going to make it through the day, I made the smart decision to venture towards the bar. Here, I was struck by a gorgeous piece of clothing the girl in front of me was wearing. The piece that caught my attention was a blazer, particularly striking due to the vivid colours and fascinating pattern. I approached Helena to compliment her on her blazer, and here we are. Helena’s drive and talent inspire me, and her approach to design is unique. Personally, I’d describe Helena’s style as daring, lively and innovative, making her label exciting and eye-catching. Keep reading to find out more!
How do you think your personality is reflected in the pieces you create?
Well in a literal sense my work reflects my taste. It is similar to a lot of the things I would chose to surround myself with (objects, furniture, clothes I purchase from other brands…). They reflect my favorite types of prints, and colors and visuals – even styles, fabrics.
The pieces I make are not exactly the “blending in types”, they’re fairly out there and quite noticeable from I have seen so far (through feedback, and just observing response in crowds). I would like to think that in this too they are similar to me because I don’t tend to shy away from statement pieces and I don’t mind walking into a room full of people I don’t know. I feel happy when people come up to me and ask about the work, or just want to strike up a convo (which is you and I met!). I’ve been told I am professionally and socially outgoing (influence of my brilliant mother, artist Sujata Bajaj), and I think so is the artwork. It talks to you, it doesn’t shyly sit in a corner and wait to be addressed.
Has your style evolved over time?
During the first three years at Parsons I dabbled with a lot of different styles. If I recall properly, my assignments were full of geometry and grid-like motifs and I always used red and black. Since my thesis I have diversified the color ranges that I use and perhaps some of the silhouettes I now work with, but overall the aesthetic has remained intact. Obviously, I would still hope that the work evolves in the sense that it gets better and that there is more and more depth in my lines, strokes and technique.
Apart from art, what are your hobbies?
Art is a funny one – not even sure it can still qualify as a hobby as it is my full-time job now. Other than art, design, fashion – I would say writing, cooking and photography.
Do you think every artist has a muse?
I don’t think so – I actually even think the concept of the muse is mostly a very male-artist centric concept. I believe the idea of basing one’s entire creation on a singular person quite restricting. I find it easier to simply use the world and any inspiring surrounding, encounter or even culture as a muse. I have never met one person that competes with using the world as your creative fuel, but maybe that is yet to come?
Although you are young, do you think you've already experienced defining moments in your life that shaped your career till date? If not, do you think those moments will come and be important for how your art career evolves?
I don’t think there are specific moments, more like a collection of moments. Most of them being encounters. I have been fortunate to participate in several emerging designer competitions through which I was able to meet people I otherwise would have never had access to. Some people whom I really enjoyed getting feedback from and feel truly grateful that they gave me some of their precious time would be Fern Mallis (NYFW), Sara Maino (Vogue Italia), Mickey Boardman (Paper Magazine), Bandana Tewari (BoF), Lidewij Edelkoort (WGSN), Donna Karan (DKNY), Sally Singer (Vogue US). More recently, the Vogue US feature which came out in November, was probably something I could consider a fulfilling milestone! (Check it out here)
I think a huge defining moment for me would be getting stocked at a major department store like Bergdorf Goodman or perhaps have a prominent gallery add me to their roster. These are some ambitions I am working towards.
How do you keep motivated, with all your friends globally dispersed and doing things completely different from you?
Well there are ups and downs for sure, but then I remind myself I would be a terrible employee and perhaps quit after three days in an office job! But of course there are so many days where I just think "someone please tell me what to do" *laughs*. My friends being dispersed can be tough but overall I would say it is more a blessing than a curse. I travel a lot and I feel I get to somehow see everyone at least once a year. It also is very enriching to just see how differently everyone's lives are evolving, the different cities we live in, the different fields we are in. It just makes it all a more exciting ride that we're all on and the support is never less than it would be if we had been in the same place all the time. I am very lucky in this way.
What defines success for you?
Probably a certain level of professional achievement (reaching work goals set previously), a social/emotional sense of inner peace (being well surrounded) and then of course feeling physically (health-wise) able to do the things you wish you to do.
Who is your biggest cheerleader?
Probably my mother. She never really questions why I do what I do or doubts that it will all work out. It's hard for me to constantly remain fully optimistic even though I believe in my product deeply - and to be around someone who has unwavering faith is a real gift,
The fact that she is a renown artist also gives credibility to her "cheerleading" in the sense that it feels meaningful, not just that it is my mother or a friend, it is someone who has been in a creative industry for a very long time and understands the inner workings of it.
What is it about the support you receive from your loved ones that you think makes striving for your goals easier?
I just think with anything in life it is dangerous if one thing becomes your everything. What I mean by this is that because I have such strong social connections in my life, I feel I can focus on those at times when my work might be struggling (for example this pandemic!). They give me balance, and balance means you have a better shot at approaching your work with a slight distance and healthy mindset. That being said of course at times it is difficult to be pragmatic, but talking to those around you will always help get you out of your head when you feel you're losing it!
Do you have friends who are in the same industry as you?
I do because I still am close to quite a few people from my studies at Parsons, most are working for fashion brands or companies affiliated to fashion (fashion tech, etc) but some have also launched their own brand as well. It is a mix!
Other than that, along the way through competitions I was also able to meet other young designers from different schools and countries quite frequently. I have to say the nature of the work does make you build a very diverse and fascinating network over the years and I look forward to meeting more and more with time!
What can we look forward to seeing from you next?
The timeline is not fully set yet, but I will be launching a furniture collaboration with PendhapaAtelier (@pendhapa.atelier) an architectural/interior design studio set up by a dear friend and London AA school graduate.
Limited series for Comptoir 102, Dubai
What advice would you give people about pursuing their passion, even when things feel tough?
I would say do you picture yourself doing anything else instead? And most likely no matter what path you chose at some point you will question why you took it. I don’t think anyone is fully blindly convinced at all times, think that’s a myth but maybe I’m wrong!
MORE HELENA:
Model credits: Nour E. Mady | Maya Ganguin
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