Zsuzsa Kovacs and Jessica Richard are the lead designers for Zsega, a fashion design company in London, England. Zsuzsa is from Budapest, Hungary and Jessica is from Berlin, Germany. They design high-end women’s fashions and accessories.

Zsuzsa and Jessica met in design school, where they were fortunate to study with Vivienne Westwood for three years in a small classroom environment at the University of Fine Art and Design in Berlin. “We had a different project each year, and the strongest designs were presented at the annual fashion show organized by the class. Our projects were supervised by Vivienne, and two other excellent pattern-maker professors. During these three years we had a chance to learn about historical and ethnic cutting techniques, and how to develop them to a modern functional cutting system. We also had to learn how to use the three-dimensional aspect of fabric. Learning the different draping techniques gave each student the tools to develop his or her own special cutting system. We even had to learn how to screen print and knit. It was a wonderful experience for the both of us.”

During college Jessica and Zsuzsa developed a firm friendship and established the Zsega design line. But after graduating from college they both went in different directions. In 2007, they recognized their goal of working together, and began the Zsega label.

Zsuzsa and Jessica find design inspiration by observing the people, faces and places around them. “We see the stories behind people, and it’s these stories that lead to creating a collection. The cuts, colors, and fabrics are meant to reflect the times, the mood, and the cultures where these stories take place. Beyond this, ZSEGA’s originality and unique style are directly attributed to our separate interests and influences from growing up in two different countries . . . [W] e have blended our own histories together to create what we hope to be perceived as a fashion-forward way of thinking.”

Zsuzsa Kovacs explains that their toughest obstacle has been to retain the individuality of their work, “We try not to fall into clichés, and avoid letting other designer’s collections directly influence us.  The biggest challenge is to be able to reinvent ourselves as artists from one season to the next; creating consecutive collections that are inspired by different elements, while keeping an artful design quality that yields our own unique style.” She reminds new designers that “there is always light at the end of the tunnel …”

These creative designers pride themselves on their distinctive fashions. “We have created an original twist on modern fashion by venturing outside of expected linear concepts. Our designs infuse bold sophistication with organic elegance. Draping layers of texture and color are infused with original patterns and hand-made prints that give our collections their signature look and unique style.” Zsega is a designer at UsTrendy; where you can view their portfolio and blog.