Interview With
Before we talk art, at what age did you start showing an interest in fashion?
I was interested in fashion as long as I can remember. My mom was a fashion designer, but she never followed through with it. Because of mom I was always good at drawing and sketching. And by the age of 14, when I was done with school (in Russia, the school system is different), I faced the question of what my next step was going to be. In Russia, we have two options for a fashion designer career. One is designer-artist and the other is designer-patternmaker (I apologize, I’m not sure what the literal translation is.) Pretty much one designer focuses more on sketching designs and the other one actually makes the patterns and focuses on the technical details of a garment. I chose to go with the second. I’ve never been interested in sewing, just drawings mainly. And that’s why I wanted to learn something new. But I still love skietching.
When did you start painting? Were you always interested in art?
I've been painting for as long as I can remember, but my first oil painting was in 2005. The rest is history.
And when did you start actually designing/making clothes?
I started my first year of college which I enrolled in at the age of 14.
So here at the Denim Spot, you not only sell your clothes, but also have your art featured at art walks such as this on. How is it balancing the two?
I have always been a big fan of combining art and fashion. Degrees in fashion and art taught me how to combine both passions. My first art exposition was at Kennedy Gallery in 2006 which turned out pretty good, which got me to start showing my art. When I create anything, I always think about it from an artistic point of view whether it's art in my fashion designs or fashion in my paintings. That's why now my signature pieces are made with my own fabric. This way I can create own designs, structure, color theme, etc..
What are some struggles you've faced getting your brand out there?
I believe money and connections are the most challenging struggles that professionals are faced with in this industry. Unfortunately, talent only makes up for about 30 % of the big picture.
ELEVA8UP {September 2015}