Our Guest Today: Designer from Georgia, Buga Osidze

NY Weekly Mag: Buga, tell us how you started your career.

Buga: Since childhood, I have always tried to bring innovation to clothing, making simple outfits more interesting and captivating. Right after graduating from university, I started working at Marigold, where I designed Georgian national clothing in modern style for both women and men.

NY Weekly Mag: As a designer, was working on your country’s national attire an exciting challenge for you?

Buga: Absolutely! I love my country deeply, and working on Georgian traditional clothing is a great responsibility. However, my designs have received immense recognition and appreciation not only in Georgia but worldwide. Marigold has showcased its collections in various countries, including London, Greece, Germany, Italy, Malta, Belgium, the Netherlands, and many more. At one point, I couldn’t have imagined that my work would be presented in the U.S., but that dream came true when our first show took place on May 26, 2023—Georgia’s Independence Day—at the Millennium Theatre. Additionally, we presented our collection in Philadelphia and Atlanta. Our designs were even displayed on a billboard in Times Square, which makes me incredibly proud and motivates me to keep going. I have many more plans ahead.

NY Weekly Mag: Speaking of future plans, do you have anything coming up that you’d like to share?

Buga: Yes! I’m currently working on a project and will soon be opening a workshop in Williamsburg. There, my partner, Nino Ekseulidze, and I will work on new collections. I met Nino while working at Marigold, where we collaborated for many years. Currently, she has her own brand, Mint Atelier, which creates elegant and beautifully designed women’s clothing.

NY Weekly Mag: Buga, those are some exciting plans! What are you working on at the moment?

Buga: Right now, I’m focused on sportswear. I’m creating unique sketches for both men’s and women’s athletic collections.

NY Weekly Mag: When did you move to the U.S., and what made you decide to do so?

Buga: As I mentioned, I love my country, and I always strive to introduce Georgian culture, fashion, and traditions to the world. I moved to the U.S. in 2022, which was a new challenge for me. This country offers great opportunities, and I feel free and independent here. They say America helps people achieve their dreams, and I want to continue doing what I love while having my designs recognized and appreciated in the U.S.

NY Weekly Mag: It seems like you’ve been working tirelessly since your university days. Do you have any free time, and how do you spend it?

Buga: I love sports, so in my free time, I attend NBA games and various tennis championships. I also enjoy music, especially jazz, which I love listening to in the company of friends.