Linda Vydra
Your hometown?
I am born and bred in Melbourne. I love Melbourne because of it's fun and funky laneways, it's many hidden galleries & boutiques and there is always an exciting event on.
Favourite food?
Without a doubt it has to be strawberry dumplings. My family is from Czech Republic and traditionally if someone goes away, upon their arrival we have dinner consisting of strawberry dumplings. The strawberries are wrapped in dough, boiled for a couple of minutes and then served with hot strawberry sauce and icing sugar!
Favourite restaurant?
I love nothing better then heading down to Taco Bills on Russel St in Melbourne. The mexican food is amazing and fishbowl margaritas always result in a fun night.
Favourite recipe?
Well I would have to say strawberry dumplings, it's easy, tasty and never disappoints!
Favourite market?
Rose St market in Melbourne is a great market in Fitzroy that is tucked down a laneway and has a great vibe and atmosphere.
Favourite travel destination?
Loved, loved, loved India. Buzzing with madness, colour, so disorganised but yet so much fun! I bought a heap of fabrics to do an exclusive India range, which will come with a piece of photography as well. Stay tuned...
Dream travel destination?
South America. I have been dreaming about heading over for a while now for the annual Carnival festival. I could just imagine the food and people being amazing! Hopefully this dream holiday will happen late 2011.
What do you enjoy most about making your products? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I love transforming a piece of fabric that is most likely going to waste and making it into something beautiful and exquisite, that will be treasured again. Fabrics, trims, colours, textures are my inspiration. Designer Issey Miyake has shown how manipulation of fabrics can create various shapes and forms.
How long does it take to make one of your creations? Anything interesting about the process that you would like to mention?
How long is a piece of string? With every piece it's a matter of sourcing the right fabric, scavenging through thrift shops, interior remnants or donations that I am given. Then once they are sourced, the process of cutting, sewing begins.
In your words, what makes your products unique?
Each product is one-of-a-kind due to the nature of using preloved fabrics. As there is a limited amount, each product is unique to its owner. All products come with their own name that describes where they came from and a name that suits the product. The idea behind Lydra is that much like each person, each product has their own personality and charisma.