Victoria takes minimalism’s essence—the purity of forms and monochromatic vibes—and infuses it with nature’s energy - circular shapes, earthy colors, and organic textures - and the animist tradition that recognizes the presence of spirits in everything around us.
Live minimalism rebels against mere functionality. In the animist tradition, handcrafted objects are believed to possess their own spirit, so that pieces come alive, each with its own soul. Being made by Ukrainian artisans, the object is endowed with its own energy.
This is partly reflected in the animalism inherent in the collection, where many objects exhibit shapes reminiscent of ears, arms, or legs. Additionally, the outlines of furniture pieces evoke mythical beasts.
Live minimalism is an aesthetic that looks forward while respecting nature, ancient traditions, and roots in history.
One of the key things to note about FAINA brand is its commitment to sustainability. When crafting the items, they exclusively use natural fabrics, local wood, clay, wicker, and a signature blend Ztista, invented by Victoria Yakusha - a blend of cellulose, clay, flax fiber, wood chips with a biopolymer cover, which structure resembles raw dough ready for baking (from Ukrainian - “made of dough”). In line with the philosophy of live minimalism, it is eco-friendly and can be ground and decomposed in the soil, being returned to nature.
Another essential aspect of FAINA is how each item is named. Victoria Yakusha choses Ukrainian names for everything, drawing inspiration from various phenomena—whether it’s a natural occurrence, a historical event, or a cherished childhood memory. This thoughtful naming process adds depth and interpretation to each piece
FAINA has received prestigious awards, including the Elle Decor Awards and the Dezeen Awards. Additionally, the pieces are prominently displayed in over 40 galleries worldwide, as well as in private collections.
In 2018 the brand launched a unique project — the design expedition “Land inspires” aimed to draw attention to the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine. Explore more here.
In 2021, Victoria Yakusha opened her Gallery in Antwerp, Belgium, where, in particular, are presented works from the FAINA collection
