Vassili Tselebidis

I’ve always wanted to do something in the creative field. As long as I remember, I’ve always been a creative soul. Unfortunately, like many children around the world, we are pressured by our creators to respect what they have envisioned for us. I began to consider my desires when I decided to live my true self and stop hiding behind cultural or religious beliefs. And I fully committed to it when I was selected by Pascaline Smets to be featured at the Smets Young Talents 2015. During this event that promotes young designers, I presented my first graphic designs and I decided to materialize three of them through fine jewelry. My work then attracted the attention of the plastic arts department of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and thanks to the prototyping aid that has been granted to me, I was able to produce the prototypes of my first collection in the course of 2018.

Design is a lifestyle for me. I style my life in its every aspect and I envision every single detail of it. Design is part of my daily routine on many levels.

Everything from jewelry to leather goods to furniture. And it goes on.

A removable display unit for a well-known commercial mall in Brussels.

Gold alloys. These are a reflection of sumptuousness and generosity, but also prosperity. A piece of fine jewelry has usually a strong symbolic significance and can be a testimony to life's highlights. I attach great importance to materials in general.

There is no specific time really because as a creative soul you have to keep on giving but I have to say that I feel the most comfortable and creative when the night comes because it slows down time. I feel alone and in charge.

As a first step, the original aspect of my design. I often ask myself “Am I bringing something new on the table?” Afterward, I focus on practicality and quality. I want to create products that will be part of people's lives for quite some time.

I feel all kinds of emotions. It goes from frustration to satisfaction and all of the above.

I feel on top of the world and like everything is possible. It always seems impossible until it’s done. I believe Nelson Mandela said that.

I think there’s no clue for success. As a creative soul, you just try to think out of the box, to be different and original, and potentially, success will come along and be part of your legacy.

The originality of the overall design and attention to detail. I do ask myself “Is this déjà-vu?”

To be more concerned in general. Now that the world is facing an unprecedented crisis, we all start to understand that it is time to slow down and make things the right way. We have to educate each other to understand that good design takes time and be more considerate to those around us and what surrounds us.

I think the design field is becoming more aware of the needs of its creativity. It takes time to design and conceptualize. We think that we have to perpetually put things on the market to be relevant. But it doesn’t make sense anymore because there are too many things happening in a short amount of time. The future is now and we are already experiencing changes. I think of Jean-Paul Gaultier who has decided to follow an upcycling approach of Haute Couture or Saint Laurent who has announced that they will evolve at their own pace from now on. The frenetic speed that these powerhouses were somehow obliged to respect was not durable and now Mother Nature reminds us of that in some way. There was too much pressure for too many years and it affected us all.

Usually, designers say that they are inspired by everything that surrounds them. I find it very cliché to say but that is the truth. Inspiration may come from anything. An emotion, an encounter, or even some dust on a shiny cosmetic jar that inspires you a pattern for example. As a designer, you pay attention to everything and especially to tiny little details that most of the people won’t see.

I don't have a particular style, I have a sense of taste in general. Whether it is good or bad, it is eclectic above all. Through Ambroise Vassili, I would like to express different styles and their aesthetics. I do not aspire to find a signature silhouette but more of a set of details that signs my silhouette. Fine jewelry was for me the best way to do so.

I live in Brussels. I won’t say that the cultural heritage of Belgium affects or inspires my designs. Even though I was born and raised in Brussels, my Greek heritage as affected me and still does much more because there’s nostalgia linked to it.

These are objects that were gifted to me or belonged to people dear to my heart. If I had to list five of them I would say; a framed collage artwork gifted to me for my birthday, a vintage Omega watch in yellow gold and stainless steel, a yellow gold signet ring set with an emerald-cut sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds, a balmacaan overcoat made of virgin wool and camel hair and an elephant-shaped wooden sculpture.

The most positive aspect of being a creative soul is that it makes you rethink everything that surrounds you, anywhere and anytime. You get yourself stuck in a mind game that can be challenging sometimes, of course, but that brings you so much fulfillment at the end of the journey. As for a negative aspect, I would say that it is indeed time-consuming. It's a beautiful thing when someone's career and passion come together but many sacrifices have to be taken in order to accomplish that.

To let my imagination envision and worry about nothing else but being creative. There’s always room for improvements and adjustments in a second phase.

I have been single for five years, I guess I can’t manage my time. Jokes aside. I try not to pack a whole lot in one day, to schedule and prioritize even though it can be challenging sometimes. I try not to be too harsh on myself because design takes time anyway. But if I have to and it happened more than once, I won't hesitate to burn the midnight oil.

First of all, the next step for me is to make a business out of my talent. And to do that I need to expand my network and find the right investors and collaborators. Then, the short-term goal is to launch new designs that will be compatible with the current pieces. The number of combinations and the freedom of creation will, therefore, be increased. The second goal will be to complete the first collection with necklaces, bangles, and earrings while remaining the spirit of the original concept. The most successful designs will continue to be declined to offer some new combinations to the customers. Mainly thanks to new gold alloys: such as blue, black, green, or purple gold. Some new cut or cabochon gems, such as sapphire, ruby, emerald, opal, lapis-lazuli or malachite will be added as well. In terms of creative direction, it will be essential to diversify myself by continuing to develop the concept of interlocking but also, by presenting new collections independent from it but always based on the emblem. In the long run, I also have the ambition to diversify my brand's product portfolio.

I develop my designs myself but I would love to collaborate more. I am very human-oriented. I like to share experiences, build memories, and learn from others.

Leather goods. I am self-taught in leather craft and being able to materialize my designs by myself is very satisfying. It is the only way to understand and appreciate the work and know-how of craftsmanship. When you are creative and qualified nothing can stop you, you can rule the world.

People can reach out to me by email at hello@ambroisevassili.com and I’ll be happy to answer.

In between my studies in space and visual arts in Brussels, I started to develop my artistic world. I fully committed to it when I was selected by Pascaline Smets to be featured at the Smets Young Talents 2015. During this event that promotes young designers, I presented my first graphic designs and I decided to materialize three of them through fine jewelry. My work then attracted the attention of the plastic arts department of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and thanks to the prototyping aid that has been granted to me, I was able to produce the prototypes of my first collection in the course of 2018. In the meantime, I continue to work as a freelance graphic designer on visual identities or artistic directions, among other things, for various projects in the food industry or sales for example.

I’ve always wanted to do something in the creative field. As long as I remember, I’ve always been a creative soul. I’ve been raised by women and surrounded by them since I was a child. This family setting naturally contributed to the person I became. It goes to say that my education and my family history have allowed me to develop my sensitivity, open-mindedness, and my inspiration. Unfortunately, like many children around the world, we are pressured by our creators to respect what they have envisioned for us. I began to consider my desires when I decided to live my true self and stop hiding behind cultural or religious beliefs. My desire for creativity was more precisely born of admiration for my mother. She was an independent, enterprising, elegant, and sophisticated woman but life got her on many levels. During her early years, she was active in the jewelry industry. I took great pleasure in contemplating her beautiful silhouettes and jewels that only kept my imagination going.

I don't have a particular style, I have a sense of taste in general. Whether it is good or bad, it is eclectic above all. As a multidisciplinary artist, it is important to have a sense of control over my work, to articulate my creativity around a focal point, this is why I have always wanted to create an intriguing and timeless emblem that animates me. It will always be part of my designs and decline it, is the game I play throughout my creative process. It is a permanent turning point to me and it is the most important instrument that allows me to keep a guideline and a common thread through the eclecticism of my ideas. It is a sign of symbolic value for me whose originality lies in its spiritual nature. This triptych is the source and unity in my creative process.

I feel all kinds of emotions. It goes from frustration to satisfaction and all of the above. I feel the most comfortable to design when the night comes because it slows down time. I feel alone and in charge. I let my imagination envision and worry about nothing else but being creative. There’s always room for improvements and adjustments in a second phase. Designing fulfill my needs of creativity. It makes me rethink everything that surrounds me, anywhere, and anytime. I get myself stuck in a mind game that can be challenging sometimes, of course, but that brings me so much fulfillment at the end of the journey because I feel on top of the world and like everything is possible. It always seems impossible until it’s done. I believe Nelson Mandela said that.

As a first step, to make my first collection available on the market. The short-term goal is to launch new designs that will be compatible with the current pieces. The number of combinations and the freedom of creation will, therefore, be increased. The second goal will be to complete the first collection with necklaces, bangles, and earrings while remaining the spirit of the original concept. The most successful designs will continue to be declined to offer some new combinations to the customers. Mainly thanks to new gold alloys: such as blue, black, green, or purple gold. Some new cut or cabochon gems, such as sapphire, ruby, emerald, opal, lapis-lazuli or malachite will be added as well. In terms of creative direction, it will be essential to diversify myself by continuing to develop the concept of interlocking but also, by presenting new collections independent from it but always based on the emblem. In the long run, I also have the ambition to diversify my brand's product portfolio, from clothes to leather goods to footwear. I believe greek philosopher, Heraclitus, quoted that big results require big ambitions.

How can you not keep up with trends anyway, we are submerged by visuals and non-stop information. I don't mind following trends and if I choose to, I'll play the game by my rules anyhow. It really depends on what you're seeking. If you are looking for immediate success and easy money, you just need to follow the trends and you know that your product will sell by itself. But my goal as a creative soul is to think out of the box, to be different and original, and potentially, success will come along and be part of my legacy. Inspiration may come from anything. An emotion, an encounter, or even some dust on a shiny cosmetic jar that inspires you a pattern for example. As a designer, you pay attention to everything and especially to tiny little details that most people won't see. Everything around us can be potentially inspiring thus possibilities are endless.

I focus on the originality and details of the overall design. I do ask myself “Is this déjà-vu?” Then I pay attention to the quality of materials and production. Good design for me is well-thought and manufactured and will last over time. Of course, it costs a dime but it’s an investment. I have always preferred to own less but better.

Whenever it is as perfect as it can be but I do not think it is possible to cover everything in one product. Design is made of concessions. There is always a time when as a designer, you will prioritize beauty over practicality or vice versa for example. But I will never concede on quality. If I had to choose for whatever reason, I would prefer to simplify my design than to choose poor materials to keep my design unaltered. I am my biggest critic and first customer. In my opinion, details have a very important place and nothing should be left to chance. I wear any prototype of any product I design so I do revise everything. As for success, I think there’s no clue for it. The real success for me is to last in time and to achieve this goal, risks have to be taken and consequently, success comes and goes.

My current collection, Interlock. I designed and conceptualize this project to arouse, among customers, the desire to create and give them the occasion to express their creativity. Every design has been imagined in several parts that can be worn independently or combined in many possible ways. I want to share, through my label and designs, an approach that makes sense. I aspire to shake up certain rules by proposing creations that are at once playful, opulent as well as refined and will provide some freedom to the women and men who will wear them. As individuals, we are somehow unsettled because we are made of feelings. The way we present ourselves, and accordingly the story we want to tell, changes at a given point in time. It is the perception I try to express through this concept of interlocking: everyone can reappropriate their piece of jewelry by deciding according to their desire, to assemble it or not. Thanks to this concept of interlocking, everyone is given the opportunity to conceive a piece of jewelry according to their taste and with the balance they desire by choosing from a range of gold alloys and gemstones. I wanted to provide a plurality of styles through this concept of interlocking and thus the final look that changes consequently if several pieces are combined or not. It goes from opulent and eye-catchy, if the client combines some rings of different gold alloys and all set with brilliant-cut diamonds and semi-precious stones, to more minimalistic by wearing just a ring or two in solid gold. Over time, the piece of jewelry owned by a customer may evolve alongside him or her thanks to this concept of interlocking. Clients can decide to acquire new rings that are compatible with the pieces they already possess. And even if the consumer decides not to, he or she knows that this is always an option to add a new acquisition to the one they already have and make something new out of it. All the designs will be sold separately and accordingly available to a wide range of prices depending on the chosen design. It is thus somehow budget-friendly. Of course, a piece of fine jewelry is not cheap but it is an investment in the long term. So for those who do not have deep pockets but want to have access to nice things, this can be possible. So be aware that if you are attracted to a combination with several rings, you can get it at your own pace.

Design is my lifestyle. I style my life in its every aspect and I envision every single detail of it. Design is part of my daily routine on many levels. Music has also an important place in my daily life. All kinds of music. Whether to celebrate a goal I've achieved, to find inspiration, or to comfort myself in a moment of sadness. I was born and raised in Brussels and this is where I live but I don’t feel like the cultural heritage of Belgium hasn’t affected or inspired my designs. My Greek heritage as affected me and still does much more because there’s nostalgia linked to it. Greece is in my heart. Even if I wasn't born there, it's the country of my origins. I will always cherish the Greek lifestyle. Among the great civilizations that have marked history, ancient Greece remains one the most remarkable and thus most inspiring. In art, politics, literature, philosophy, or science, its legacy still influences our world. Greek civilization invented almost everything.

As an emerging designer myself, I can’t do much right now to help others in the design field. Of course, I have some ideas on how to give back but these projects will only be possible when I will have something beneficial for others to bring on the table. What I can tell right now by my experience is that there are not sufficient platforms that help young designers in their early stages. Most of the fashion or design competitions have too many conditions and restrictions to be able to participate when there are plenty of great talents around the corner who don’t have any background, experience, or available collections on the market and need to be surrounded to achieve all of the above. Regarding any philanthropic contribution to society, I have planned to submit a design for an exclusive capsule collection. This initiative is directly inspired by the current sanitary crisis and the entire proceeds will be donated to charity. Wish me luck.

It's a beautiful thing when someone's career and passion come together and I work on making a business out of my talent for several years now. I have been blessed with meaningful encounters and opportunities throughout my journey that have comforted me in the fact that I have actually something to do in this industry and the A’ Design Award & Competition may help me to reach the next level. As I didn’t evolve in the field I want to grow in, I need to expand my network and find the right investors and collaborators. A competition like the A 'Design Award is, therefore, an excellent move to remedy my lack of visibility.

In between my studies in space and visual arts in Brussels, I started to develop my artistic world. I fully committed to it when I was selected by Pascaline Smets to be featured at the Smets Young Talents 2015. During this event that promotes young designers, I presented my first graphic designs and I decided to materialize three of them through fine jewelry. My work then attracted the attention of the plastic arts department of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and thanks to the prototyping aid that has been granted to me, I was able to produce the prototypes of my first collection in the course of 2018.

I became a designer to fulfill my needs of creativity and I am motivated by the opportunity to bring emotions into people's lives.

I am focusing on fine jewelry at the moment which is an art that I particularly admire. I wish to continue developing the concept of my first fine jewelry collection but also, to present new collections independent from it but always based on my emblem.

I focus on the originality and details of the overall design. I do ask myself “Is this déjà-vu?” Then I pay attention to the quality of materials and production.

The longevity of it. A well-thought and manufactured product will last over time. Of course, it costs a dime but it’s an investment. I have always preferred to own less but better.

Jewelry for my mother because I have always known her bejeweled. I know that she will feel so proud to own my designs. I would love also to jewel Céline Dion. I love everything about her character, path, and music of course. Tell her I have all the time she wants.

A short fashion film inspired by my mother’s life which will highlight a bunch of my designs. I have already written the scenario but I need some coins to put it all together and pay all the talents I'd like to work with.

I love anything Victoire de Castellane. I think her designs are bold and different.

My current designs. The main aspects of this collection that makes me think it’s great are the concept of interlocking and the evolvement of the pieces. Every design has been imagined in several parts that can be worn independently or combined in many possible ways. Thanks to this concept of interlocking, everyone is given the opportunity to conceive a piece of jewelry according to their taste and with the balance they desire. Over time, clients can decide to acquire new rings that are compatible with the pieces they already possess. And even if the consumer decides not to, he or she knows that this is always an option to add a new acquisition to the one they already have and make something new out of it.

I would have probably continued to work as a graphic designer in an agency. But am I already a designer? I am wondering now.

Design is a lifestyle for me. I style my life in its every aspect and I envision every single detail of it. Design is part of my daily routine on many levels.

I have met a few supporters during my path. Some of them have supported me financially others emotionally. I hope to be able to pay them my gratitude when I will indeed reach a high level.