FAINA is a collection of furniture, lighting, and decor, rooted in Ukrainian cultural heritage. Brought to life by the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine, FAINA nurtures its connection to land and ethnic roots, bringing a new wave to the global design scene — “live design”.
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Photos by @piet.albert.goethals
In 2022 FAINA opened FAINA Gallery in Belgium reveals the essence of ‚live design‘ philosophy where each piece is a witness to history and emanates the strong spirit of Mother Earth. Primitive and archetypal forms, Ukrainian traditional craft, sustainable materials — all shape the minimalist, yet spirited design language of the brand. The gallery found a home in a historical 500-year-old building in Antwerp, Keizerstraat Street.
Victoria Yakusha, a Ukrainian-born architect and founder of FAINA, designed the interior herself — two spaces united by the leitmotif of earth, one of the core pillars of her ‚live design‘ philosophy.
“In Ukraine, we have a strong connection to the earth. She gives strength, guides have a magical power to ground”, explains ‘live design’ Victoria Yakusha.
For her new design gallery, the architect conceived monochrome spaces — one color exploring the depth of hues through different textures. From hand-sculpted SONIAH lamps stemming from the ground to the organic curves of PLYN sofa and bench, laying like stones that have been naturally polished by wild waters — one is welcomed by calm shades of green, the color of Mother Earth and life.
A stainless steel bespoke cabinet displays FAINA ceramics, glass decor, and home scents. Like a cabinet de curiosité, it transforms the volume of the space and balances it in texture, acting also as a portal to the next space.
The deep black hues of clay, wood, wool and other natural materials of the second room refer to the rich, black soil of Ukraine. Depicting an old Trypillian symbol of earth, a handwoven tapestry made on an ancient Carpathian loom hovers above a black wooden cabinet running along the wall. Primitively designed, the bespoke cabinet is finished with the holes — a continuing motif of FAINA collections.
Both rooms unite in a serene minimalist interior accentuating texture and revealing the nature of each material and object. A signature finish for the walls was created by Victoria, 12 layers of which add natural depth.
The first exposition includes both signature and never-before-seen FAINA objects. Each piece is a looking glass into tradition, cultural heritage, and ancestral knowledge taking shape in modern collectible design. Iconic Bandura vase, inspired by a Ukrainian folk musical instrument, sustainable Ztista series hand sculpted with a technique employed in traditional Ukrainian dwellings, Kumanec vase, traditional festive pottery revived in modern decor, or the Strikha lighting — an echo of traditional straw-roofs. All harboring the live spirit of Ukraine.
“At FAINA we are driven by the mission to pass on history. We bring artisanal craftsmanship into modern design and revive ancient cultural symbols. Made in a sustainable manner, by hand, primitive archetypal objects tell the story of my land. This is what gives them energy, meaning, soul.” Victoria Yakusha
