Having taught entrepreneurship for so long, sometimes I forget that some brands are not about problems and solutions but they are about passion and serendipity. Nadia Bremner, founder of Bravo Collection is the perfect example. Finding herself in Asia, she created a brand inspired by her interest in craft and found her passion for supporting traditional Ukrainian heritage. When Nadia took part in a branding workshop, I immediately fell in love with her collection and we discovered our shared interests in textiles and slow fashion. Nadia’s objective was to take the time to clarify her brand meaning and develop a brand strategy, which led to a photo shoot collaboration. I spoke to her to find out more about her wonderful journey from a corporate role in compliance and financial management for multi-nationals, to managing a sustainable brand. I am excited to see how her journey in fashion sustainability will continue.
You had a brand before Bravo Collection and before moving to Singapore, how did that come about:
When I lived in Shanghai and had a corporate job (in compliance) , I was also fascinated with Chinese furniture and crafts. Together with a friend we had a hobby of making jewellery with carved jade, based on Feng Shui and it turned into a small business, which I brought to Singapore.
What made you start Bravo Collection:
I saw a potential interest here, in Singapore for linen embroidered clothes, that are native to my home country Ukraine. Singapore has a great mix of cultures and linen is perfect for this [tropical] weather.
Why linen fabric and embroidery? - what should we know about the process as consumers?
Linen is one of the most sustainable fabrics in the world - it has very little impact on the environment and is durable and breathable. Embroidery is present in many cultures as it adds a unique touch to clothes.
What is Ukraine like? Why is embroidery an important tradition that people have kept hold of?
Ukraine is a beautiful country, finding its place in the modern world. Traditionally embroidered clothes are worn to weddings and religious celebrations. Many Ukrainian designers started using traditional embroidery in their collections. It became very popular world-wide and received a new life.
Tell us about your artisans, what’s their profile and what are they like?
Many of the artisans that I work with live in the Carpathian Mountains. They are very skilled, but often embroidery is the only way for them to earn money, as the region is not developed and there are not many jobs available. The idea of creating jobs and giving back to Ukraine is another reason why I started Bravo Collection. I also work with young local designers, who are very creative, skilled and business oriented - they have well organized production and are easy to deal with. So it's a mixture of old and new, and I really enjoy it.
What is your brand about, tell us your brand story and how you resolved it after the branding workshop session?
Bravo Collection is all about slow fashion- using only natural linen fabrics ( linen is locally grown in Ukraine and Belarus) and hand-made embroidery, using traditional methods. Promoting these beautiful garments which are breathable and perfect for the summer is our mission. The workshop session has helped us to shape as a recognizable brand and to identify direction, form and vision. It also gave us tools for marketing and branding. We are really grateful for the opportunity to work with Anisa and Kevin [the photographer] for our campaign shoot.
What is your hope for your brand?
We hope to expand and sell in all countries of South East Asia and Australia by educating people, that slow fashion and wearing linen in particular is the way forward.
Nadia Bremner
Founder Bravo Collection
IG: bravocollectionsg
