by Aude
Kazakh born, Hong Kong-based, 10-year career in the Kazakh government entities, founder of the first Kazakh art Consultancy Company and now founder of an eco-cashmere line … Tell us more about your background. How did you end up here?
From my childhood drawings to today, Art has always be part of my life. Even during my 10-year career in the government entities in Kazakhstan. In 2003, I decided that it was time for Art to be fully part of my life, I left my executive position at the state company responsible for Foreign Direct Investment and founded BANU BABAYEVA RUSSIAN AND EUROPEAN FINE ART, the first company of its kind in Kazakhstan.
Advising clients on creating art collections and make smart art investments, organizing seminars with leaders experts on Russian and European art, this is what I do. But no only, I have also opened a styling bureau and multi-brands boutique to bring avant-garde fashion to the country, selling Yohji Yamamoto, Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela, Vivienne Westwood …
Being part of the Fashion industry, I am going from Fashion shows to fashion shows, in Paris, Milan, London, New York and had the pleasure to work and become friends with A.F. Vandevorst, Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh, Isaac Sellam, Yang Li, Haider Ackermann, Tim Van Steenbergen, Sarah Hearey.
Kazakh born, Hong Kong-based, 10-year career in the Kazakh government entities, founder of the first Kazakh art Consultancy Company and now founder of an eco-cashmere line … Tell us more about your background. How did you end up here?
From my childhood drawings to today, Art has always be part of my life. Even during my 10-year career in the government entities in Kazakhstan. In 2003, I decided that it was time for Art to be fully part of my life, I left my executive position at the state company responsible for Foreign Direct Investment and founded BANU BABAYEVA RUSSIAN AND EUROPEAN FINE ART, the first company of its kind in Kazakhstan.
Advising clients on creating art collections and make smart art investments, organizing seminars with leaders experts on Russian and European art, this is what I do. But no only, I have also opened a styling bureau and multi-brands boutique to bring avant-garde fashion to the country, selling Yohji Yamamoto, Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela, Vivienne Westwood …
Being part of the Fashion industry, I am going from Fashion shows to fashion shows, in Paris, Milan, London, New York and had the pleasure to work and become friends with A.F. Vandevorst, Rick Owens, Gareth Pugh, Isaac Sellam, Yang Li, Haider Ackermann, Tim Van Steenbergen, Sarah Hearey.
How and why did you decide to launch Bonnie's?
The current market is oversaturated with brands but without any of those bringing any revolution to the 21st century fashion industry.
Bonnie’s is not about revolutionizing the industry either, but bringing style, quality and comfort, things that play an important role in the shaping of my lifestyle, through simple silhouettes.
Emphasis is on high quality material: our 100% eco cashmere made out of soft undercoat fibres of fine-haired cashmere goats, inhabiting the mountainous regions of Inner Mongolia. I only utilize the finest threads of cashmere fiber.
Why eco-cashmere?
I believe we should look deeper to address the sensitivities the planet faces and Bonnie’s was born from a devotion to bridge modern-day desires with sustainable philosophies.
The eco-cashmere stands for a new generation where design is pared back only to reveal the highest standards in quality: 100% natural, undyed, unbleached, bred from nature and crafted from the finest cashmere sourced in Mongolia.
Any bridges between your passion for art, your career as an art dealer and your fashion stylist role?
Of course. Fashion styling and Art dealership are very similar. Knowing your client in depths from his feelings to his interests, is necessary to read him perfectly and offer him a tailored solution.
As an art dealer, I have to create collections that will reflect the personal interests, philosophy and particular periods of life of my clients. As a fashion stylist I have to help my clients mirror their inner self through their style. In both cases, I must create a spiritual bridge with my clients.
What is your motto?
Good habits for a great life.
I believe that we are what we repeatedly do. You want to be outstanding? Then make sure to develop the habit of personal excellence in each key area of life.
The current market is oversaturated with brands but without any of those bringing any revolution to the 21st century fashion industry.
Bonnie’s is not about revolutionizing the industry either, but bringing style, quality and comfort, things that play an important role in the shaping of my lifestyle, through simple silhouettes.
Emphasis is on high quality material: our 100% eco cashmere made out of soft undercoat fibres of fine-haired cashmere goats, inhabiting the mountainous regions of Inner Mongolia. I only utilize the finest threads of cashmere fiber.
Why eco-cashmere?
I believe we should look deeper to address the sensitivities the planet faces and Bonnie’s was born from a devotion to bridge modern-day desires with sustainable philosophies.
The eco-cashmere stands for a new generation where design is pared back only to reveal the highest standards in quality: 100% natural, undyed, unbleached, bred from nature and crafted from the finest cashmere sourced in Mongolia.
Any bridges between your passion for art, your career as an art dealer and your fashion stylist role?
Of course. Fashion styling and Art dealership are very similar. Knowing your client in depths from his feelings to his interests, is necessary to read him perfectly and offer him a tailored solution.
As an art dealer, I have to create collections that will reflect the personal interests, philosophy and particular periods of life of my clients. As a fashion stylist I have to help my clients mirror their inner self through their style. In both cases, I must create a spiritual bridge with my clients.
What is your motto?
Good habits for a great life.
I believe that we are what we repeatedly do. You want to be outstanding? Then make sure to develop the habit of personal excellence in each key area of life.
What does a week in the life of Banu Babayeva looks like?
Busy busy! I am planning carefully every day, structuring my week in a notebook otherwise I find that I'm a victim to the whims of whatever random task pops up.
My typical day starts at 8 am, touching base with the team, clients, partners and manufacturers. Running a company is not always glamourous and is definitely not a 9 to 5 job. It can be quite monotonous but routine leads to efficiency. When my workday ends, I sometimes feel like I am only half the way. After heading home for dinner and spending a bit of time with the family, I focus on writing and further developing my brand.
I try to always reserve my weekends for family.
If I got any free time, away from my business, I like to catch-up with friends over tea. I am very sociable and enjoy participating in charity events, gala dinners and other events.
Bonnie's eco-cashmere product are available at:
- The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
- Four Season Hotel Hong Kong
Busy busy! I am planning carefully every day, structuring my week in a notebook otherwise I find that I'm a victim to the whims of whatever random task pops up.
My typical day starts at 8 am, touching base with the team, clients, partners and manufacturers. Running a company is not always glamourous and is definitely not a 9 to 5 job. It can be quite monotonous but routine leads to efficiency. When my workday ends, I sometimes feel like I am only half the way. After heading home for dinner and spending a bit of time with the family, I focus on writing and further developing my brand.
I try to always reserve my weekends for family.
If I got any free time, away from my business, I like to catch-up with friends over tea. I am very sociable and enjoy participating in charity events, gala dinners and other events.
Bonnie's eco-cashmere product are available at:
- The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
- Four Season Hotel Hong Kong
