Interview for VOGE Runway during DC Fashion Week
1. Why did you choose a career for a Fashion Designer?
I’m first and foremost an abstract artist, secondary I am a designer. My art always comes first. It’s my ground, my home base, the most truthful representation of who I am. Design work is derivative from my paintings. To use an analogy, art for me is an air, it comes effortlessly as breathing; design is an exercise, and experiment that requires discipline, focus, work. I was introduced to Junior Vipent and presented my wearable art fabrics along with my art catalog, so he suggested to create my own collection for the runway. Then it becomes a really fun process as I see how my art took another life as a design item, as a pair of leggings, a dress, or a scarf. It gives me great joy to see this multiple lives of one painting, sort of incarnation... I’m a self-taught meditative artist and a self-taught designer. I believe that we need to spread a high-vibe via everyday outfits.
2. What trends do you currently see in the fashion industry?
Whatever would make people feel more comfortable, alive, energetic and experience high-vibe.
3. What are your greatest strengths, and how will they help you as a Fashion Designer?
I was called a great colorist. Being born and raised in Moscow, Russia, my personal tastes were influenced by classical Russian and European art, architecture and culture. Art professionals and pure strangers compared my style to Edouard Manet, Joan Mitchell and Edvard Munch. My products are different because the colors and patterns that I use in my painting and subsequently in my designs come from my years long study of healing power of colors and experiments with meditative art and its power on viewers. It’s real. Sometimes it’s hard to describe but impossible not to experience. Many of my clients commented that wearing my clothes make them happy and energized, as somehow the happy vibes from my paintings channeled into my clothes. It energizes you on the level of subconsciousness.
4. What motivates you as a Fashion Designer?
I believe that in this high-technology driven world, we all need a color boost to feel more energetic and holistic. I believe that wearing an artwork elevates the energy field and makes people happier. Art will save the World - I hope.
5. What are your goals as a Fashion Designer?
Merging fashion and spirituality is the focal point of the brand. One of my goals is to find a proper collaboration that enables my designs to spread out at a faster pace. My art and derivative patterns are available for purchasing and licensing.
6. What skills are important for a successful career in fashion design?
A combination of ability to think conceptually, explain, illustrate, be punctual, disciplined and deliver, regardless the circumstances, are important for a successful career in fashion design.
7. How well do you take a criticism?
Give me an example. I accept a criticism as an invitation to work harder and experiment more. I was told that my wholesale price is too high, even though I offered a sustainably produced outfits made with eco-friendly material. In response to that, I found a China-based manufacturer thus lowered my wholesale price plus ensured a financial support from a private group.
8. In what area of design do you wish to specialize in?
Fashion Fitness - Designer’s Activewear - Luxurious Sportswear - Wearable Art for Sports and Everyday Life. The latest clothing line is designed to appeal to professional and amateur athletes, ballet, modern dancers, yoga goers, cycling fans and leisure wearers alike. The activewear collection includes leggings and tops (fitted, flare, crop) that can be combined into a myriad of different combinations to allow for maximum customization and seamless transition from workouts to everyday life.
9. What is your favorite part about being a Fashion Designer?
9.1. Creating charismatic metaphysical patterns
9.2. Placing derivative patterns on an existing silhouette or fabric
9.3. Listen to a customer and create a pattern that serves the purpose Boston-based ballet group approached us with an intention to commission one-of-a-kind designs for their upcoming competition with modern dance Dive. A collection of exclusively developed dancing leggings and tops have been presented for their review upon which an order has been placed. It was a double-take for the ballet dancers as they first felt spectacular at the competitions, and secondly would be happy to wear these leggins and tops at the practice, school and social outings.
10. Tell me about the software you have experience using to produce designs?
Typical built-in software
11. How do you stay up to date with fashion?
It comes naturally…intuitively… my daily meditations always help to stay in-sync
12. Tell me about your educational qualifications, and how they will contribute to your success in this position?
I graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering (BS/MS from Moscow Civil Engineering Institute) and Master of Arts (i.e. International Relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University). I’m a self-taught Russian-Jewish abstract metaphysical artist and pattern designer. Years of fundamental education, natural quest for beauty and harmony, years of doing yoga and meditations (over 30 years), postpartum mini-stroke after which I had to rewire my brain - all that contributed and shaped myself as an artist and designer I’m today. Here is a link to my resume.
13. How do you handle stress and pressure?
For a stress relieve, I meditate, recite poetry and sing songs inside of my head.
14. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve it?
Public speaking is not my forte, so I am pushing myself to be more prepared when it comes to the publicity.
15. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see my art in the museums and my fashion designs be presented by larger brands (collaboration).
16. Tell me about an accomplishment you are the most proud of?
As a single mom, I navigated my way to prestigious graduate school, where the competition was 12 applicants per seat. Being a full-time graduate student, I concurrently ran a boutique business consulting company from my appartment, and ensured that my five-year old daughter is doing great at a private school.
17. Tell me about a time when you made a suggestion to the Creative Designer, and he/she ignored it?
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