To leave an impact on one’s art is to immortalize one’s existence. Something similar can be said for the creative genius whose name is DemnaGvasalia. He was born on 25th March 1981 in Sukhumi, Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, Soviet Union. Despite a relatively tough childhood with having to flee the civil war, he was able to get an education and venture into the world of fashion.
His first prominent collaboration was with Walter van Beirendonck in 2006 for the men’s collection. He ventured into the women’s line of clothing with Maison Martin Margiela in 2009 and remained with the company till 2013. In 2013, French luxury brand Louis Vuitton appointed him as a senior designer of the women’s ready-to-wear collection.
Boosted by his success, Gvasalia and brother Guram launched Vetements in 2014. Their works were initially displayed in small gay clubs in Paris. Gvasalia had envisioned his brand as something that would change the status quo of high fashion.
In 2014, Veteman presented its first ready-to-wear collection for women at Paris Fashion Week. The designs were so impressive that the collective was even nominated for LVMH’s Young Fashion Designer Prize. Gvasalia eventually left Vetements in 2019 in pursuit of his new artistic ventures.
In 2019, Gvasalia’s career took another turn when he was appointed as a creative director for Balenciaga. He collaborated with rapper Kanye West in 2021 acting as creative director for the second Donda album.
He is married to wife Loik Gomez.
How did Demna Gvasalia revolutionize high street fashion?
Gvasalia’s style is one that speaks for itself. The success of Vetements was based on its purpose to create subversive fashion. The collections were inspired by archetypes comprising baggy clothing and street-style jackets. It was basically giving an avant-garde experience with radical redesign.
His work in Balenciaga has also reestablished his style of designs. A recent highlight was during the 2021 Met Gala where he walked with Kim Kardashian, featuring in his creation, a head to toe black Balenciaga outfit with a mask on. The look drew much attention almost creating a new event in fashion history. Vogue was quick to quip the moment as one where the event’s rules had been rewritten with that one appearance.
What was Demna Gvasalia’s childhood like?
At the mere age of 12 Demna and his family had to flee Georgia owing to a rather vicious civil war that had broken out in the country. In 2001, he settled in Dusseldorf, Germany.
He attended Tbilisi State University to study international economics. Post his graduation he earned a Master’s Degree in Fashion Design from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 2006.
How has this creative genius earned his fortune?
The fashion industry is one of glitz and glamour and for one who has been at the top of his game, working with some of the most renowned brands; it is natural to assume that Gvasalia is one rich man, given his association with brands like Louise Vuitton and Vetements. His current job as Balenciaga’s creative director is bound to improve his financial credentials. His net worth is approximately $1.5 million making him one of the richest designers in the world. The exact estimation of his estates remains unknown.