“Paramidonna’s Decade of Elegance.. Donika Ancheva Reflects on Sustainability, Innovation, and the Future of Resort Wear”
In fashion and beauty, few brands manage to seamlessly blend elegance, sustainability, and innovation the way PARAMIDONNA does. At the helm of this transformative resort wear brand is Donika Ancheva, a visionary entrepreneur whose passion project has evolved into a global powerhouse. Celebrating a decade of PARAMIDONNA’s journey, Donika reflects on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her brand and redefined the way women approach resort wear. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her entrepreneurial story, the brand’s commitment to sustainability, her design inspirations, and her vision for the future of luxury fashion.
Q- From Passion Project to Global Brand: Donika, you started PARAMIDONNA as a passion project, and it’s now reshaping the resort wear industry. What were the biggest challenges you faced in scaling a niche brand, and how did your entrepreneurial journey evolve from concept to a global presence?
A- Indeed, it has been a significant journey. The concept of establishing a brand has been a longstanding aspiration of mine, rooted in my childhood. I have always maintained a clear vision of my goals and the desired aesthetics of my ventures. This vision has continually guided me and has been instrumental in navigating the challenges that arise in the business landscape. These challenges are numerous, ranging from competition, which I hold in high regard, to daily production issues and staffing concerns. It has taken me seven years to penetrate the international market; in fact, this year, PARAMIDONNA celebrates its tenth anniversary. However, it has been operating on a global scale for nearly three years. The initial five years were particularly challenging, with the subsequent five proving to be even more demanding. We shall see what the future holds, but that uncertainty adds to the allure of the journey.
Q- Sustainability Meets Luxury: PARAMIDONNA is known for blending sustainability with luxury, prioritizing ethical production and timeless designs. Could you tell us more about how you approach sustainability within the brand, and why it’s become such a central focus for you in the competitive world of resort wear?
A- This era emphasizes the significance of personal responsibility, which has become essential in contemporary practice. Sustainability is not viewed merely as a goal, but rather as a foundational principle guiding every aspect of our work—ranging from design models and material selection to production, packaging, and distribution. Our objective is to harmoniously blend luxury with sustainability. We strive to present our concepts in an engaging manner while ensuring that we fulfill our responsibilities with respect to sustainable practices. Many of these practices are the result of our personal commitments, which may incur additional costs; however, we remain steadfast in understanding the reasoning behind our choices.
Q- Redefining Resort Wear: Your designs empower women to seamlessly transition from beach to city, which is a refreshing take on resort wear. How do you draw inspiration from Mediterranean influences and modern minimalism to create pieces that speak to today’s traveler, and what key elements do you believe are essential in a versatile vacation wardrobe?
A- Inspired by the European summer, particularly the Mediterranean resorts known for their leisurely and carefree ambiance, our collections increasingly reflect this theme. We strive to provide ready-made solutions for an elegant beach look, a trend that will become more prominent in our future offerings. Embodying the essence of an eternal summer, we believe that a travel enthusiast’s essentials include a vibrant pair of bikini bottoms and a classic black one-piece swimsuit. To complete the ensemble, we suggest incorporating a stylish beach cover-up and a chic pair of sunglasses, ensuring one is prepared for any sunny occasion.
Q- The Future of Fashion: As a leading female founder in the fashion industry, you’re in a unique position to discuss industry shifts. How do you see the future of luxury resort wear evolving in the post-pandemic world, and what role do you think emerging trends like sustainability and the demand for multifunctional pieces will play in shaping the future of fashion?
A- The post-COVID landscape has yielded positive developments for our brand for several reasons. Consumers have increasingly prioritized quality over mass production, resulting in a significant rise in online sales. Customers have recognized and embraced the benefits of our offerings. Our standardized products, designed to accommodate sizes from XS to XL, have effectively reduced decision-making time for customers. This has consequently led to a decrease in returns and exchanges, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. Additionally, these products provide versatility throughout various stages of a woman’s life. In my view, emerging trends are advantageous; however, enduring style and multi-functionality are paramount for long-term success and represent the future of fashion. For the past two years, we have opted to present two collections annually, as opposed to three, reaffirming our belief that trends should not overshadow the importance of sustainability and the need to avoid oversupply.
Donika Ancheva’s vision extends far beyond creating stunning resort wear; it’s about crafting a lifestyle that empowers women, respects the planet, and celebrates timeless elegance. As PARAMIDONNA continues to make waves globally, Donika’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation is setting new benchmarks in the fashion industry. With her keen eye on the future and a deep respect for her roots, Donika is not just reshaping resort wear—she’s reshaping the conversation around what it means to build a brand with purpose.
We can’t wait to see what PARAMIDONNA brings to the world next.
