FAMILY GRACE
Nani Bregvadze and her girls
The most renowned performer of Georgia, a living legend Nani Bregvadze, her daughter Eka Mamaladze and granddaughter Natalia Kutateladze hosted the IERI team and shared their family stories on fashion and style.
By Anastasia Khatiashvili, Natela Potskhveriya
We agreed to shoot at Kalbatoni Nani’s apartment. The house is hidden in the quiet yards of Vake. Third floor, no elevator. Climbing up is a great exercise in itself. "Maybe, that’s the secret behind Nani’s amazing shape?" — jokes our producer, breathing heavily. Nani Bregvadze is 86 years old, but without exaggeration, she is a style icon in Georgia. When we finally reached the apartment, the first thing we saw was an astounding amount of posters featuring Nani and her daughter Eka Mamaladze. "Come in, dears, put the flowers somewhere here, Eka will come and take care of them", — Nani invited us and started her make-up preparation for the shoot.
"Much has changed now. But when I think about beauty, I realize I don't have any special routine. I wake up in the morning, and the first thing I do — take care of my hair. This process includes a head massage as well. A beautiful bed, a good night's sleep, and comfort are also necessary for me. When I was on tours before, I suffered from a lack of comfort. It is in my blood from my father, from the Bregvadzes. I have always had a different perception of beauty. When I was little and looked at a picture of my grandmother, for some reason, I was not enchanted. Even though she was considered the most beautiful lady in Kutaisi. As a child, I did not understand that. But recently, I reviewed the photos of my grandmother and was delighted with her beauty and dark eyes. It was a natural beauty, without any creams or cosmetics. Now another type of beauty is valued — everyone is similar to each other; they have the same lips and the same eyes. Something else used to be more valuable in the past", — sadly concludes Mrs. Bregvadze.
Nani: Sophio Gongli ring, Ninola earrings, TheNauness long sleeve, robe and pants.
Eka: Tatuna shirt, Tatuna scarf, Idee Fixe boots, Chubika bracelet and ring.
Nataliko: Tatuna cloak, Tatuna belt, Ketevan studio earrings
She then tried on Situationist pants and Sofio Gongli's jewelry: "This is my style". Adding a Naunes shirt and cape and Ninola earrings. Nani is passionate about jewelry: "Unfortunately, my mother didn’t have any jewelry pieces, all of them were taken away from her during the revolution. And what was left, they handed over to the pawnshop». She then recalls: "I remember the most beautiful outfit from my childhood — it was a ruffled burgundy silk dress. My father often sent me lovely clothes from abroad — patent leather shoes, socks, bows. Therefore, I do not believe the saying that children should not be spoiled. We need to pamper them, show them beauty from an early age, educate them, and give them a good upbringing. And family plays a big role in this".
When her daughter Eka and granddaughter Natalia arrived, Nani’s first question was about her great-grandchild: "Who is with the baby?" and then turned to us and said: "You should see him! Beautiful kid! So heavy!".
Eka Mamaladze is a singer as well. She is also in love with fashion, admitting that her style comes from her childhood: "I have seen and appreciated simple aesthetics and beauty since childhood. My grandmother, Nani's mother, was graceful. She always walked in heels, even to the market. I remember her lipstick, her beads. I also remember my mother's beautiful and stylish friends, whose clothing style astounded me. When I was about six years old, there were hard times, but my parents had one beautiful velvet dress made for me. I still remember how happy I was when they made it for me. My great-aunt lived in Paris and sent fashionable clothes to my father and me. By the way, even in those difficult times, parcels were coming from France. And every year, in September, when I went to school, she sent me new patent leather shoes and leggings. And once she sent me an elegant puffy cream-colored coat. It was so beautiful that you could go crazy just looking at it. As a teenager, I would wear a shawl skirt, suede boots, and my favorite leggings. I loved hairpins. But I didn't like jewelry and accessories. Love for jewelry came to me later, in adulthood".
Eka tried Tatuna’s white shirt and Chubika’s jewelry. She then showed her outfit to Nani: "The fact that I am a representative of such a musical and artistic family of the Bregvadzes, to no surprise, influenced my taste, style, and perception of beauty. When you live in such a family, you naturally gain its experience and knowledge. And all of this happens harmoniously. Although I will not lie, sometimes I want to do things my way, and sometimes there is even some struggle. But I still deeply trust my mother Nani and her judgment,» She added: «I have a good eye, a good perspective! So we often consult with her and argue too. Sometimes I can even be headstrong and not accept her advice, but then time passes, and I understand that my mother was right. This applies to fashion, work, the stage, and life. At the same time, Nani is very delicate, not critical. Natalya is completely different — she is already a representative of another generation and has her own vision for everything".
In general, beauty comes from within. A woman should radiate beauty from within. Of course, it's good when the facial features are beautiful. But inner beauty is much more than that.
Nani admitted: "Eka and Natalia are entirely different, and they aren't like me, which is good. However, I often advise them on something in music or style. They either accept my comments and fix things, or they don’t. My daughter listens to me more — however, my granddaughter — less. Natalia has an entirely different direction in style and career. They, in turn, take great care of me and pamper me in every possible way. This is family, the most incredible beauty, and the most valuable thing I have".
Natalia Kutateladze, a famous opera singer and actress, was a little worried during a fitting: "Did Nani like anything? Is she happy with the clothes and styling? You know, she never wears anything too bright or shimmery. It was so hard to persuade her! The only reason she could be persuaded was that we didn’t have any good pictures together. I have a lot of love for my grandmother Nani. I will do everything to please her. As a child, I used to say how happy I was that Nani and I stayed home alone. When I remember my childhood, it is all about Nani. In the bed next to me, telling a fairy tale before going to sleep, waking up — Nani was there for me. I have a mother and a father, I had a second grandmother, no less, and I have an aunt who is practically my second mother. Still, the most cherished, personal, and heart-warming moments of my childhood are related to Nani".
Natalia looked stunning wearing Maison Martin Margiela tabi shoes and Tatuna black Japanese-style belt and cape. She showed her outfit to Nani for final approval as well and then concluded: "Nani is a living example of how a person can push and bring out the best version of themselves. This person is always looking for flaws in herself and then works to correct them. Therefore, the result that we see today — the style, the visuals, the hair, the face, everything is the result of a lot of work and objective, self-critical qualities". Then three of the ladies united for the shoot in the beautifully furnished room with a grand piano in the center.
Nani Bregvadze on her ancestors
My mother wasn’t tall and didn't wear much makeup. She was an elegant woman and had a beautiful figure. She studied at the geology faculty, but when I was born, she left the university in the fourth year. Mom knew mathematics well; she was a talented person with a good sense of humor. She had exquisite taste, and she sewed beautiful clothes for herself and me. On Sundays, she always took me to The Opera and Ballet Theatre, where I saw all the best operas and ballets. She brought out the beauty within me. I was always the center of her attention; her whole world revolved around me. But outwardly, I look like my father. My father was a fascinating man and loved his self-care routine. Yes, age takes a toll on people, Young people are always beautiful, but when you get old, everything fades... But old age suited my father. Over the years, he only became more attractive and more handsome, like his six sisters.
On my mother's side, my ancestors were noblemen — Mikeladze from my grandpas side and Tsulukidze from my grandmother’s side. The Tsulukidzes have existed since the 14th century. It was a very aristocratic and musical family. My aunt Ketevan Mikeladze was a professional singer. And these were times when Georgian women were not so welcome to go on stage. My great-grandmother Lyuba Tsulukidze also sang in the salon in her mansion. There were 14 cousins and brothers on my mother's side. Only me and my cousin Irina are left today.
Life was hard for my parents. But they still enjoyed it. There was singing, and music was heard in the house all the time. Even though the times were tough, they were always in high spirits; they loved each other, respected each other, and got on well. The family environment is crucial, and from an early age, I saw how my mom invited friends and guests home. How these men sang at the table, how my aunts sang — I will never be able to forget it. That's why I sing. I just carry on this beautiful family tradition.
Natalia Kutateladze on her grandmother
and mother’s beauty advice
My mother, Eka, has an excellent eye for aesthetics, even when it comes to home design. Any matter related to beauty, Eka can handle it. It may come from the family and the environment where you grow up. Nani's family and friends, their families, homes, and interiors are very similar to our current environment. That’s why I perceive these people as people of great taste.
As for my personal beauty routine, when I take the dogs for a walk or at home, I always use concealer under my eyes, which instantly changes my look and a very natural and neutral lip liner. These are the most essential items in all of my bags. Favorite clothing style — androgynous.
By the way, I can't say that my family has a particular skincare routine or uses expensive creams. Nani has a friend who has been bringing homemade cream to her for the past few decades. And almost all of us use it. Costly products are more about marketing. The main things are to be hydrated, breathe good air, and eat good food.
And most importantly, Nani says that vicious people turn ugly. They do. If even a not-so-beautiful person is optimistic about life and is grateful, there's a good chance that that person will look beautiful, shining from within.
I learned a lot from my grandmother as a professional. I am now starting my music career. Nani taught me how to prepare for a concert or a play — she advised me to lie down and close my eyes for 10 minutes. It is not necessary to go into a deep sleep. However, the main point is to stay in silence for a while. Nani's advice is that we need fresh air and correct breathing. She is also good at yoga. These tips may not be beauty rituals, but as Nani says, where there is a healthy spirit, there is beauty.
Photographer: Dato Koridze
Make up: Polina Resnina
Stylist: Inga Ochkhikidze
Production: Liza Eliava
