Anastasia Zadorina: the easiest way is to put your hands down. You can’t lose heart

This year was one of the most intense sports periods in the life of our country. And if the memories of the World Championships at home are still warm in our minds, the events of the most neutral of all possible Olympics with our participation have faded a bit. But I am sure that not for those who equipped athletes, learned to be flexible and gracefully maneuvered in ever-changing circumstances.

We talked about all this and more with designer and creator of the popular ZASPORT brand Anastasia Zadorina.

– ZASPORT brand appeared during the difficult Olympics. What did you feel at that moment when you were preparing the collection for the Olympics?

– The fact that we became popular in such a difficult period for our athletes and did not let them down is very important for me. Because it wasn’t enough that the athletes were worried about what they were going to wear and there were too many problems. It was important for us to give our best, not to let ourselves be doubted.

Just imagine the situation we were in. Not only were additional sanctions imposed in mid-December, but there was also a ban on the flag, coat of arms and the logo of the Russian Olympic Committee on the uniforms of our athletes. It was just a shock. It was a very difficult task to make the uniforms in accordance with the new regulations during the holidays, when both the design team and everyone who worked at the production facilities were dreaming of having a vacation with their loved ones, but the team coped, and I am very proud of us!

– Have you heard any feedback from foreign colleagues about the uniforms of our Olympians?

– You know, we received so much criticism in the very first days when we presented the Olympic collection! And then, the day after the opening ceremony of the Olympics, The Wall Street Journal wrote that our national team is the most stylish, fashionable and beautiful. At the same moment, the phone in our office started ringing off the hook. You know, it feels like we are still living in the past, when “whatever is good in the West is good for us”(laughs). But, of course, it was very pleasant, our efforts were appreciated.

– As far as I know, you outfitted not only Olympians, but also Paralympians.

– Initially we did not have a contract with the Paralympic Committee, but we did our best to support our athletes. For everyone, the phrase “Olympic athlete from Russia” sounded unfamiliar and imposed a huge number of restrictions. The situation with the Paralympians was not easy. The ban on Russian symbols affected them as well. And all the big sports brands refused to help them. We simply could not help them, we signed a partnership agreement and provided them with equipment.

– As you have already noticed, you have been criticized quite a lot, what do you think about it?

– We have done a lot of work to equip our athletes. At such a difficult moment it was much more important to act, there was no time to stop and listen to sometimes not the most competent critics. And we listen to the opinion of athletes, we do everything to make our clothes for them not only beautiful in appearance, but also comfortable and functional. The commission of athletes headed by Sofia Velika helps us a lot, they are the first to know about our novelties and help us to finalize them, to make them even better and more accessible not only for professional athletes, but also for everyone else.

I did not pay attention to all the vicious comments, I was working at the time.

– It turns out that sports fashion has appeared in our country?

– It turns out that yes. Fashion trends were practically not present in the clothes of professional athletes, but everything starts at some point. There are many designers in Russia who sew evening dresses and fur coats, but practically no one makes sports casual.

– Was the main Olympic collection inspired by the Olympics-80 and the spirit of that time?

– Yes, it was. We looked for inspiration in the architecture of our city, in the Soviet era, in the Olympics-80. It is the well-forgotten old, which many people liked. We managed to reinterpret Soviet sports traditions in clothing and combine them with a modern approach to cut and quality.

– What was this year like? After all, there was also the World Cup.

– The main events for us were the Olympics, the Paralympics, the Summer Youth Olympic Games, which were held in Argentina in October. And for the World Cup we made a capsule collection “Score” on a soccer theme. And I would also like to note that ZASPORT is not only sportswear: there are a lot of casual clothes in the assortment of stores, you can wear them for a walk or to the movies. We love to work, we have a good big team, and this year has brought us together even stronger. Difficulties toughen those who can handle them.

– How much of a team player are you?

– I think I am a team player, or maybe I set the right tasks and goals, lead and inspire my team. Either way, it’s very important to me that I have the right people around me, professionals. I always bring everything to the end, and I am glad that the team shares my vision of the work process and believes in my words.

– Is the team in life as important as in sports? Can you draw any analogies?

– I think so. In general, in friendship, in work, in sports, team spirit is the foundation. I would wish everyone to find their own people and not to doubt their abilities.

– Many people say that the foundations of character are laid in us from childhood. How did your childhood influence you?

– My parents put the best in me. First of all, you have to believe in yourself, never stop, go to the end, reach the goal, listen to your intuition. But at the same time, I always listen to the opinion of my colleagues and am ready to support them.

I am the director of my life and I think I am very successful.

– Were you involved in sports as a child?

– Yes, I did rhythmic gymnastics and dance.

– How important do you think sports are to children?

– I am convinced that we all need sport, regardless of age. It’s development, it’s motivation, it’s hardening! I can’t say how professional it should be, because I’m a non-professional athlete. But now I have a lot of friends who are athletes in my circle. They are great, but each of their training, each victory is a huge labor.

– How do you go to your goal?

– You should never lose heart. Everyone has ups and downs in life. Today there is inspiration, the day after tomorrow there is not. The easiest way is to give up. My recipe is to just take it and do it no matter what the circumstances…..

– Share your secrets, what helps you recover and reboot quickly?

– There are different ways to distract yourself. I swim, fly on vacation, try to spend time with my child. Mark is about to turn 5 and of course he wants more attention from me.

– Can you call yourself a director of your life?

– I chose this path for myself. You would know… what I didn’t want to be when I was a kid. I’m glad that my parents didn’t prevent it, but let me make up my own mind. So yes, I am the director of my life and I think I’m a very successful one.

Thank you for your help in organizing and filming Formula Kino City cinema.