Georgian modern art and fashion industry are the areas that are moving forward and developing with even bigger steps recently. However, the expansion of borders and progress has also created the need to increase education and knowledge. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Founder and Creative Director Sopo Chkoniarecently shared the first renderings of the new project - School of Fashion, Art and Design and announced its opening, which in turn will bring significant progress. new large-scale project,which will be located in the space of the former Coca-Cola factory, will start functioning at the international level, and the leading fashion and design schools and professionals will be involved in it. In the design of the project, on which the architect Davit Koyava worked, all the important details are taken into account.which a multifunctional space needs. The founder of Factory, Sopho Chkhonia, shares more interesting details about the school of fashion, art and design in an interview.

Sophie, tell us how the idea of ​​creating a school of fashion, art and design came about? 

I have had the idea of ​​creating a similar school for probably 7-8 years. After we did the Be Next project, I wanted to open an institution where young people interested in design and art could get thorough knowledge and experience in these fields. however,There were some technical obstacles that hindered this process. As soon as the first opportunity arose and the area was already in favor of us, we immediately started working on this idea. 

What does the concept of a school of fashion, art and design mean? 

From the beginning, we understood the issue that this school should be international, where many foreign, experienced professors would be invited. At the first stage, we thought to cooperate with one of the leading schools, such as the Marangoni, Parsons design schools, as well as the design and art schools of New York, Paris, Milan, Florence. However, later they advised us not to Limit ourselves and create more diverse opportunities for future students. At this stage, negotiations are ongoing with these leading schools. We also plan to train local experts who will continue to cooperate with our school. 

What will the structure of the school be like and what opportunities will it offer to future students? 

Writing training programs takes a certain amount of time. In addition to being involved in the educational process, the visiting professors will also work on running the programs.The school will have mainly undergraduate programs, but we also think of creating short, intensive courses that will allow the student to master various techniques and gain experience in a short time. In addition, we plan to hold a summer school. Our goal is to offer diverse and interesting programs to future students. 

How were your wishes reflected in the design of the school, on which the architect Davit Koyava worked?

The factor that the school is multifunctional and should be adapted to the needs of students and professors was important. We worked together with David and decided various details together.However, of course, David's vision helped us achieve all this, resulting in an interior with a mix of modern and classic styles, with a black facade, mirrored details and natural greenery. 

What do you think is the importance of the existence of such a school in Georgia today? 

Today, it is very important to educate and increase knowledge, especially in these areas. Relations with those specialists and experts who introduce new technologies and trends in the world and with whom Georgian students and designers have little contact.Most of our designers are self-taught, and unfortunately, there are no such institutions or organizations in Georgia that help artists as there are in other countries. That is why this school is necessary for our country. 

What do you expect the school of fashion, art and design to change in today's reality? 

There is no such type of school in the post-Soviet space, that's why I think that the Tbilisi educational center will be a leader in fashion, design and art both locally and internationally. This will be a big step forward to train artists and designers who will then create their brand and fashion industry in Georgia.We have great expectations, we are already receiving requests from both Georgia and other countries, and the interest in the school is quite high. At this stage, we are working in a completely educational direction, because the existence of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week showed us that this problem exists in Georgia. 

And finally, when will the first school of fashion, art and design in Georgia start fully functioning? 

We think that we will be able to accept students in the fall of 2022.