In a fashion world where trends change at lightning speed, brands that treat clothing and accessories as more than functional objects always stand out. Instead, they become tools of self-expression and independent works of art. This is exactly the vision behind Éthéré Accessoires, the Georgian brand founded by designer Gvantsa Tutberidze. Her work goes beyond traditional boundaries, creating a balance between sculptural forms, architectural lines and conceptual minimalism.
In an interview with N13, Gvantsa talks about her personal style, the philosophy behind Éthéré Accessoires, the challenges of creating unique pieces in Georgia and her plans for the brand’s international growth.
Gvantsa, how would you describe your personal style? What kind of clothing makes you feel most comfortable and confident?
My personal style is quite eclectic and often changes depending on my mood or the situation. Sometimes it feels more academic, while other times it becomes freer and more experimental. However, one element always remains the same: accessories.
We often see minimalist and monochromatic tones in your designs. Is your personal wardrobe similar, or do you enjoy experimenting with colour?
My biggest source of inspiration is form, construction and silhouette. That is why my collections are often monochromatic. Minimal colours allow the shape and concept of an accessory to stand out more clearly. This approach naturally influences my personal style as well. Clean silhouettes and neutral tones help accessories become the focal point of a look.
In your daily life, do you choose accessories to match your outfit, or is the accessory the final touch?
Most of the time, I build a look around the accessory because I believe it defines the overall visual story. Even when I start with clothing, I usually choose simple and minimalist garments, then add character through a strong and distinctive accessory. This allows me to constantly play with form, style and identity.
Can you share your favourite fashion house or designer? Have they influenced your creative vision?
I am especially drawn to conceptual and handcrafted accessories. Handmade pieces always carry their own story, character and emotional value. I believe this approach allows designers to continuously refine forms, experiment with materials and create objects that go beyond pure functionality. For this reason, I find brands such as Monies, Rigards and Alaïa particularly inspiring. I admire not only their aesthetics but also their unique perspective and freedom in working with form. These brands encourage me to search for my own visual language and creative identity. What fascinates me most is their creative freedom and diversity, which help me better understand and develop my own style.
Where did the idea for Éthéré Accessoires come from? Was it a spontaneous decision or a long-time dream?
Accessories have always fascinated me because of their ability to completely transform a person’s appearance and character. For me, they have never been just finishing touches. They are independent objects with their own architecture, personality and purpose. The idea for Éthéré was born from this perspective. I wanted to create conceptual and multifunctional accessories that would not exist in only one form. The transformation of an accessory is especially exciting to me-when an object changes its shape, function or silhouette and gives the wearer freedom to use it in different ways. That is why many of my collections feature convertible designs. For example, a bag that can also be worn as a hat, or a turban that can transform into both a bag and a wide-brimmed hat.
Why did you choose the name Éthéré, and what does it represent for you?
I spent a long time thinking about the brand’s name. I wanted it to perfectly reflect the essence of my vision and carry multiple layers of meaning. French culture, fashion and art have always inspired me, which is why I chose the name Éthéré, meaning ethereal, light and elevated. For me, the word represents freedom, imagination and constant transformation-qualities that define the design philosophy of Éthéré.
What was the biggest challenge when launching the brand, and how did Georgian customers respond to your sculptural designs?
One of the biggest challenges in Georgia is finding high-quality materials and developing the techniques needed to work with them. The ideas I wanted to create turned out to be technically complex. However, when you are fully dedicated to something you love, solutions always appear. Since the launch of the brand, we have received a great deal of interest and positive feedback. I believe modern women today approach fashion with much greater freedom, which gives me the confidence to experiment more boldly.
Your designs often look like wearable works of art. What inspires you most-architecture, nature or something else?
Thank you for such a kind compliment. It gives me great motivation. I believe inspiration can be found everywhere. For me, nature, architecture, travel and even meaningful conversations with interesting people can all become sources of creative inspiration.
Your collections feature complex sculptural forms and structures. How are these shapes created, and what challenges come with the process?
The ideas often emerge naturally in my mind. Sometimes I do not even know exactly how I arrive at a particular form. However, I always begin with the intention of creating something different. I spend a lot of time thinking, imagining several versions of a design and then sketching them on paper. During the drawing process, I constantly modify and develop the silhouette. My main goal is to ensure that each piece feels unique and clearly reflects my individual vision and creative signature.
How would you describe the essence of Éthéré Accessoires in three words?
To be honest, talking about my own work is never easy. But if I had to describe Éthéré Accessoires in three words, they would be: form, transformation and freedom. Form, because silhouette and construction are the starting points of my creative process. Transformation, because I am fascinated by accessories that evolve, gain new functions and continue their existence in different forms. Freedom, because I believe accessories should give people the opportunity to create a unique and personal style.
Which accessories, shapes and colours feel most relevant for summer, and what can we expect from Éthéré Accessoires this season?
This summer, natural and calming tones are particularly important-sand, warm clay shades, soft khaki and ivory. At the same time, black remains timeless. When it comes to shapes, soft and fluid silhouettes are dominating, alongside crescent forms, oval shapes and handcrafted woven details. As always, Éthéré Accessoires will stay true to its identity while offering a fresh interpretation of these contemporary forms and materials.
Finally, what are your future plans and goals for the brand?
It is especially exciting to see growing international interest in the brand. We have already attracted attention from showrooms in Paris, and we are planning active collaborations in the future. Our main goal is to expand Éthéré Accessoires on a global level and continue building its international visibility and recognition.
Interview: Mariam Bekauri
