We often hear stories about people who dream of pursuing careers closely tied to art from a young age but choose more conventional professions instead. Yet, even later in life, they find a way to fulfill their childhood dreams.
Law and fashion may seem worlds apart, but Nelly Aghababyan, the founder of the “Themis” brand, sees it differently. It was this belief that inspired her to swap the gavel for design sketches.
The founder and designer of the “Themis” clothing brand is Nelly Aghababyan, a lawyer by profession and a lecturer at the Faculty of Law at Yerevan State University.
“The time to defend my dissertation was drawing closer, but during that period, the country experienced significant upheaval, and my defense was repeatedly postponed. I was waiting for the chance to complete something I had worked so hard for. Once I finally defended my dissertation, I decided to fill the void I felt by pursuing my dream and bringing my vision to life,” explained Nelly Aghababyan.
The brand’s founder recalls that every time she visited 5concept and MADE—platforms showcasing the work of Armenian designers—she viewed them not simply as a customer but from a different perspective.
“I approached the works of Armenian designers with a unique perspective, reflecting on how each collection was created and finding inspiration in their creativity. Each time I saw their work, I felt a deep sense of connection and a growing realization that one day, I would become part of this world. That intuition proved correct, as in 2021, I decided to establish my own clothing brand and stand alongside Armenian designers,” she shared.
Nelly Aghababyan mentions that these thoughts took her back to her childhood—she has always loved sewing and customizing clothes․
“I truly believe that everything happens at the right time. When I attended a sketching course, designer Nelly Serobyan was teaching, and it was under her guidance that I took my first steps. She played an important role in my professional journey. At that time, everyone looked at me with skepticism, wondering why I was learning sketching at this age, but it was an important step. Despite my career as a scientist, I decided to learn something new and work in the field. Not stopping there, I also attended graphic design courses. The designs we use on clothing are also created by me,” said Nelly Aghababyan.
The opening of “Yerevan Fashion Week 2024” featured the “Themis” brand, with a collection dedicated to Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg․
“While creating the collection, I was inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served as a member of the United States Supreme Court until the very last day of her life. Her image is well-known both in the realms of law and fashion. During court proceedings, Ginsburg wore special lace collars, and her colleagues noted that one could guess her mood or decisions based on the collars. The key highlights of this collection are the jabots—collars crafted in a style of judicial attire—and during the show, the models carried gavels. This is the backstory,” the designer explained.
The “Themis” clothing brand collaborated with the Armenian footwear brand “SEDA” to create a shoe collection that completed the judicial-inspired looks. The shoes are also available for purchase alongside the clothing showcased during the event.
“For me, it was important that the models present a complete look when showcasing the clothing, and the shoes were a vital component. I decided to collaborate with “SEDA”, and it truly was one of the best decisions. I received numerous compliments from guests and attendees about how thoughtfully every detail was planned,” she added.
In closing, Nelly Aghababyan spoke about the challenges facing Armenia’s fashion industry․
“One of the biggest issues we face is the lack of fabric variety. Normally, a designer creates a sketch and then looks for fabrics that match the design. In Armenia, we have to do the opposite—start by exploring the fabrics available and then design sketches based on them. Despite this, I see the industry making steady progress and advancing every day. It’s truly encouraging to witness the growing interest people have in wearing creations by Armenian designers” Nelly Aghababyan said.
