The clothing label Tata Naka was founded by Georgia-born, London-based identical twin sisters, Tamara and Natasha Surguladze, in memory of their collective childhood nickname. Born in 1978 Soviet-Georgia in the city of Tbilisi, the sisters moved in 1996 to London where they graduated from Central St. Martin’s and started their label. Since then the twins have been awarded the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN Award 3 times in a row. Tamara and Natasha now have three lines – Tata Naka, Stolen Memories and Tata Naka Shrunk. The last is their latest venture, a charming version of their main label featuring smaller sizes.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves. How did you start out in the fashion space?
We started our career straight after college (they graduated from Central St Martin’s in 2000). Our graduate collection was the debut collection for the brand Tata Naka. The collection was very well received by press and buyers, it was sold in Barney’s and Liberty, among other international boutiques, so we had to start straight away.
Do you both do the same type of work for your brand, i.e. a little bit of everything, or do you split it up according to interest?
We come up with the concept for the collection together and then design individually. Tata’s paintings and Naka’s photography are turned into the prints for each collection and then we bring both our designs together.
What role does art play in your life? Do you find that it is hard to be both an artist and hit sells targets?
Art plays a big part in our life as an inspiration but we don’t find it hard to mix the two – we channel the artistic side into the prints as they are derived from our original art work.Obviously, being in London has an impact on our work as you can afford to be more artistic.
How do you think the London fashion scene has changed in the past few years?
When we started out London was the place to be – it is still creative but from a designer point of view there isn’t as much hype about it. We feel London doesn’t get as much credit as it should from a commercial point of view.
You are both originally from Georgia, more specifically 1978 Soviet Georgia. Does this inspire your collections in any way?
The Georgia we grew up in was a huge influence and inspiration for us, especially the first few collections. Georgia today doesn’t affect our artistic view-point in any way.
How do you feel when you see the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and Cameron Diaz in your clothing?
When we started out we were always surprised when we saw celebrities in our clothes since they were buying them from our stockists. So it was very flattering to see. Now all celebrities dress under contract or through their stylists so it has become a business in itself! Seeing anyone in your designs is exciting and if it is someone whose style you already admire then so much the better.
What are the main differences between your two lines Tata Naka and Stolen Memories?
That is how we started, with Stolen Memories as Tata’s collection and Tata Naka as Naka’s. Now we still have the two lines but we design them together.
Who is your typical customer and what do you think she tries to evoke when wearing your clothing?
Someone with a sense of humour, adventurous, doesn’t follow a trend and is looking for something special that she can cherish.
How would you describe your current state of mind?
Relaxed, de-stressed, detoxed and a few pounds lighter – we have just come back from a spa!
What is one thing that you don’t have but have always sought after?
A good production manager – more than anything!
What does your typical day look like (include names of places that you frequent)?
The new Poilane Cafe for breakfast followed by a day at the studio, pilates nearby in Parsons Green and dinner with friends (Yautcha, Aglio e Olio, Hix, Tom’s Kitchen, Roka)
- As told to TheCultivate
