Discover: VASSILISA
- Written byGiada Maestra
- Published date 20 January 2026
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We caught up with Nadja Solovieva, founder of the luxury scarf e-commerce brand VASSILISA and a Fashion Design with Marketing alumna of Central Saint Martins (CSM), to discuss her work as a creative entrepreneur. Her most recent publication, How to Become a Fashion Designer, is now available online and in-store.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about what you do?
I am the founder of VASSILISA, which is a luxury scarves e-commerce.
I graduated in Fashion Design with Marketing from Central Saint Martins (CSM), and my womenswear collection was shown at the Graduate Fashion Show in 2007.
Although I initially traded in womenwear, creating chiffons with my own prints, scarves quickly captured the attention of the press and buyers. By 2011, my brand had become known primarily for scarves, which were retailed in prestigious stores such as Harvey Nichols (London and Hong Kong), Barneys, Mitsukoshi Ginza, and One&Only Resorts.
Our private clientele includes some of the most beautiful and talented women and men on both sides of the Atlantic, from British and German aristocracy to successful business owners, and many exceptional creatives. We also have a significant clientele based in beautiful Japan.
Since 2021, my focus has been on Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) sales and building strong relationships with customers through our own website and social media @vassilisa_brand.
Can you share a bit about your work?
Designers, coming out of CSM, have serious creative conceptual foundations to their products. It is part of the creative method. I am no exception. I also have interests in the spiritual angle to creative processes. I think someone who graduated from CSM, even if they become an entrepreneur, remains an artist at heart.
Are there any recent publications or projects you’d like to highlight?
Recently, my work has gained public attention through my book How to Become a Fashion Designer, available online and in stores such as Waterstones and Barnes & Noble. It is a simple, concise book that I poured my heart into. It is filled with valuable information to young designers, which I have obtained myself at a high cost and not without hard knocks, over the years.
How did you hear about the Enterprising Networking Event, and what did you enjoy most about it?
The alumni enterprising e-mail with the Alumni Creatives Entrepreneur's event just suddenly popped up in my inbox! The new building and the whole area are spectacular. I have been very impressed with the professionalism of the new type of business support students get these days. And my heart melted when I saw my CSM tutors Natalie Gibson and David Cappo.
What would you like to contribute to the network?
I am someone with extensive experience in the industry, having traded internationally for many years. I hope to share practical advice and valuable resources, offering insight into both the challenges and the rewards of the industry- the difficulties balanced by its unique beauty.
Finally, what advice would you give to those considering a creative career?
I believe one must be prepared to be in a certain state of mind and love what you do. Love art, take pride that creativity is the light of life, which shines upon people and this planet.
