Tamar Keburia reveals how the past and future clash in fashion design

Tamar Keburia, a Ukrainian fashion designer, reflects on her complex identity and experiences as a refugee. Originally from Georgia, her family relocated to Kyiv in 1994 after fleeing their home. Keburia shared the emotional impact of the war and how it has influenced her life, describing her feeling of not having a True homeland. She has been living in London for over two years and frequently returns to Ukraine, grappling with the realities of the ongoing conflict. Keburia's connection to her Ukrainian home remains strong, even as she navigates the challenges of being a diasporic artist amid war and displacement. Through her work, Keburia seeks to express her creativity and highlight the importance of empathy and understanding among people. She acknowledges the desire to dissociate the narrative of her homeland from depictions of war, emphasizing the strength of individuals and communities striving for peace. This sentiment is reflected in her designs, which are deeply influenced by her life experiences, upbringing, and the current socio-political environment. Keburia highlights the emotional toll of the ongoing war, stating her uncertainty about when it will finally end. She expresses a desire for people to recognize that the essence of her work goes beyond the realities of conflict. Her aim is to inspire compassion and nurture a shared humanity, as she finds solace in creative expression even amid adversity. As we move forward, tensions continue to weigh heavily on Ukraine, and Keburia emphasizes the significance of resilience. She remains committed to her dual identity, seeking to bridge the gap between her past and present, and ultimately influencing how others perceive and engage with the situation back home.