Our Friend of the Week – Tamara Davydova
Your City: Manhattan, NYCA career fashion designer, Tamara has worked for some of the coolest fashion houses in New York. Currently she is the Design Director at Shoshanna. You may have seen her dresses on the Obama girls this year.Your What: "Ok I know I'm a hip fashion designer living in Soho... but my favorite thing in the world is my Mopnado. That thing mops!"
FRIEND OF THE WEEK: 11 QUESTIONS
- Nickname: Tomi--short for Tamara with Japanese twist.
- What’s your short story? I grew up in Kiev, Ukraine. Growing up I studied Fine Art. I came to America in the 90's to go to High School as an exchange student and after graduating ended up at Parsons School of Design in NYC. I studied Fashion Design and have been working as a Fashion Designer ever since. I've been fortunate to work for many cool brands in New York -- J. Crew, Michael Kors, Yigal Azrouel to name a few. Currently I'm the Design Director at Shoshanna. I live in Soho, NYC with my husband Richard and our 2 boys.
- What’s your jam (fight song, personal soundtrack)? Currently I love listening to the High Highs. "A Real Hero" is one of my favorite tracks. Sounds like the music the Smiths would be making if they were still around.
- What motivates you (any mentors or personal philosophy)? Creativity. Without it I'm lost. Creating something from nothing and then seeing it live in the world is an amazing feeling.
- Who do you think you’d have great friend chemistry with (notable people past or present) ? I would have loved to be part of the artists/writers group hanging out in Paris (especially Cafe de Flore) in the 1920's.
- What qualities do your favorite friends have in common? Creativity and kindness.
- What’s the smartest, most inspiring, awesome thing you’ve read, watched, or listened to? I'm completely obsesses with Elena Ferrante's Neopolitan Novels--it's a series of four books about life-long friendship, feminism and political turnmoil in Italy in the 60's-70's I binge-read all four books and miss the characters so much I might re-read them.
- What whets your appetite (food, drink, any and all pleasures) Anything from Balthazar Bakery in Soho. If I must name one favorite it would be the oatmeal scone. Best breakfast in NYC: current at the home/made pop-up in Red Hook. Small green door on an industrial side-street opens to one of the most beautiful skylit rooms--and the french toast is beyond.
- What’s next on your To Do List? Swap apartments with someone in Paris for a year or so...
- How are you friends with Gina + Amy? I met Gina 6 years ago at a New Year's gathering. We were both wearing leather pants and the rest is history.
- Who would you nominate for our next Friend of the Week? Karla Fernandes, my friend and favorite Brazilian architect.