MOSCOW, May 6. More and more Russian consumers have recently preferred to support local manufacturers by purchasing domestic designer goods, said Alexandra Sankova, founder and general director of the Moscow Design Museum, member of the expert council of the IV Moscow Interior and Design Week.
“In recent years, there have been serious positive changes in the public’s attitude towards Russian design and domestic manufacturers. This trend can be traced back to the early 2000s, when interest in Russian design began to grow steadily, separate collections and new brands constantly appeared with an emphasis on national culture. Fortunately, today more and more people prefer to support local producers by buying Russian,” said Sankova. 
In turn, manufacturing companies began to rebrand and actively promote domestic design. Factories that previously worked with foreign brands are now seeking to collaborate with Russian designers.
According to Sankova, the main trend for the Russian design market today is the use of recycled materials, resulting from the general environmental agenda.
“We see that many startups are emerging for the processing and reuse of materials such as plastic, glass, wood, paper. In St. Petersburg, for example, there is a company founded by a technologist husband and a designer wife. We have reached agreements with restaurants and cafes so that they give them the used bottles, and then the spouses turn them into new dishes — glasses, plates, candlesticks and other interesting items of their own unique design. And these products are purchased by restaurants. This is the circular economy in action! — Sankova emphasized.
She also highlighted the trend towards “collectible design” — items that are created in small editions or in one copy. Such works are in great demand, especially for placement in public spaces, such as hotels or restaurants.
“Also, recently, in search of style and inspiration, designers are turning to Russian history and pre-revolutionary traditions. Woodworking, painting and lace weaving are being integrated into modern objects, giving them originality and uniqueness,” the expert noted.
She noted that Russian designers are now increasingly organizing their own production. For example, a number of design firms decided to produce furniture after they could not find suitable samples for the designed interiors.
“People often start producing products themselves, based on their own needs. For example, you can create toys or clothes for your children when you don’t find suitable ones in stores. Gradually, these experiments lead to the emergence of your own business,” Sankova said. 
The expert named hard work and passion for their business, as well as the presence of a close-knit team, as the key components of success in promoting their own brands by Russian startups.
«An important component is presence in the media field, publication of works on social networks, participation in exhibitions and conferences. For example, the IV Moscow Interior and Design Week is a good opportunity to present your works to the general public. Even if at first the projects are not bring a lot of income, attention from well-known brands or companies can open up new opportunities,” Sankova added.
She also advises aspiring designers to establish collaboration with other specialists.
«At the training stage, you can try collaboration with friends in related faculties: architects, engineers, technologists. As can be seen in the example of many brands, such friendship can develop into an interesting and successful project. For example, if your friend has completed business strategy, and you are a designer, this could be a great start for a joint business,” concluded Sankova.
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