Faina Design

Clay, felt, wool, and wood are the key elements of this ethnic-inspired collection. FAINA debuted at a trade fair in Bologna, Italy, in 2014. In 2015, the collection won the Industart award at an international industrial design competition. The "live design" concept centers on the use of natural, eco-friendly materials such as solid wood, felt, foam, and clay or ceramics. Each material possesses its own unique energy. Clay, for instance, is one of the oldest building materials in human history; while highly malleable, it is also challenging to work with. Victorya employs a team of eight sculptors to achieve perfection with the clay, ensuring the furniture's ceramic details are durable, textured, and compelling. Yet, the material radiates a warm, inviting energy. Clay serves as the dominant element in the FAINA collection. The collection appeals to enthusiasts of minimalist interiors who—in an era of globalization and constant information overload—appreciate having "more breathing room" in their surroundings. "We must create honest design: where wood is wood and metal is metal, rather than an imitation or a substitute," says the collection's creator. Naturalness and environmental friendliness are the defining characteristics of the FAINA product line. According to Victorya, Faina wanted to come into this world on its own terms. Several years ago, driven by pride and a deep love for her national roots, Victorya Yakusha decided to make Ukrainian design understood and recognized worldwide. "Through the FAINA collection, I wanted to showcase the full strength of Ukrainian heritage—as I personally experience it—but through a modern interpretation," she admits. "To me, Ukraine embodies the warmth of purple twilights, the coziness of Ukrainian villages, the breath of the Carpathians, and the beauty of a red ribbon in a young girl's hair... Everyone who looks at FAINA furniture will see and feel these colors and emotions. Fragile clay, soft wool, solid wood, red and black motifs, simple forms. This is my FAINA." At the same time, Victorya notes that FAINA is merely the beginning of a quest: a search for self-discovery and for something close to the heart and soul, as well as a search for a place for Ukrainian design in the modern world. Globalization, individualism, and minimalism define the trends of our present and future, yet in the pursuit of trends, we must not forget our roots.