Vesselina Pentcheva understands what women crave and with her intuitive flair combines the skill and artistry of tradition with up-to-the-minute design.
Born in Bulgaria, she presented her first fashion show in her hometown of Russe at the tender age of sixteen. In 1993 Vesselina moved to South Africa to study at the Gordon Flack Davidson Academy of Design, where she gained a mastery of the classical techniques of couture and graduated as top student in 1996. Marianne Fassler who inspired her sense of freedom and creativity then hired her as assistant designer.
Since setting up her own Design Studio in 2000, Vesselina has made her mark as an influential designer of luxurious wedding dresses but is equally well-known for her modern, elegant and sophisticated evening wear and couture-like eady-to-wear collections.
Following her motto of ‘less is not more’ Vesselina’s style is feminine, sensual and dramatic. She has an extraordinary talent for detail and enjoys using colour, texture and unexpected combinations of sumptuous fabrics to create unique garments featuring handmade embroidery, beading and exquisite detailing.
Inspiration
For me African Fashion Week presents an opportunity to dispel the myth that Africa is one homogenous entity and to play my part in showcasing its wonderful diversity. As a designer who is immersed in the unique and pulsating lifestyle of Africa’s most important city, my inspiration comes from my home base and the vital and multifaceted woman who live here. This collection seeks to show on the outside the magnificence that lies within them.
