LIKE ALL GOOD STORIES, ARKDEFO WAS BORN IN A SMALL FLAT ABOVE A RESTAURANT
HOW WE STARTED
In 2018, Elizaveta had just moved to Edinburgh from Berlin and began designing outfits for her photo projects: blending fashion design and location. One question bothered her - why has the clothes making skill been forgotten by the majority? In 2019 everything clicked: she created online courses to teach women how to make clothes from scratch. Down to earth techniques to make fashion design simple, affordable and fun. At this time, Andrew was still an Architect, but he left the profession in 2020 to join Elizaveta full-time in this new and exciting journey.
WHY "ARKDEFO"?
The name "Arkdefo" comes from our combined backgrounds: Architecture, Design & Photography. It also alludes to Art Deco, a style that inspires both of us creatively.
"I DESIGNED THIS" - POWER STATEMENT
We see the re-introduction of clothes making skills as a great way to slow down the machine that is fast fashion. We believe that understanding the process brings more mindfulness, builds problem solving skills and boosts mental health.
DEADSTOCK FABRICS
We started our fabric shop from our flat: at some point we had THREE tonnes of waxed cotton in our living room. Our stubborn determination and belief that this is the right thing to do, eventually paid off. We're now selling waxed cotton worldwide and expanding into new fabrics.
ARKDEFO IS A BUSINESS WITH SOUL
We want clothes making skills to be normalised. We want you to express yourself in any way you want.
