The House of Dzhus
From Ukraine With Love
Words by Society
[Photos courtesy of Dzhus]
Part I
Who Is Dzhus
I remember the day I was first introduced to Irina Dzhus – brighter days, a more optimistic time near the beginning of the war.
Recently fled from her homeland, Irina was one of a handful of designers selected for a popup in support of the Ukrainian exile population.
Even from a distance Dzhus' designs steal the show, the bold silhouettes demand attention and a closer look.
Described as avant-garde yet utilitarian, Irina's works are internationally recognised by their innovative cut
and multi-purpose transformations. In a prior collection Irina's creations were sculptures that folded and unfurled, as origami.
While there is undoubtably a common theme persistent throughout Irina's collections, it is quickly established that Dzhus is not one to be put into boxes, a few minutes into our conversation I am enamoured by the presence this chiefly figure demands. There is something intrinsically wise about the way the matriarch conducts herself – an air of grace to her speech, and a gentle ferocity to her words
matched with a gait and stride that says "Irina Dzhus has entered the building."
In the coming months we will meet again, first for coffee where we discuss a myriad of topics, ranging from the war and the spirit of the Ukrainian people, to our dreams for the future, her desire to be re-uinited with her husband as well as adventures abroad –life as a designer based between Paris & Warsaw, and her love for Berlin. The next time we connect is in Kreuzberg for my birthday, and then again at subsequent fashion weeks.
