I have been interested in fashion since childhood. I enjoyed exploring her culture, dressing nicely, choosing outfits for my friends. In the environment, they noted that I have good taste, I am always dressed outside the box, I stand out from the crowd. From 8th to 11th grade I studied at school number 1219 at the Moscow Architectural Institute, then entered MGIMO at the Faculty of International Relations and at the same time began to attend Alexander Vasiliev's courses "Theory of Fashion" at Moscow State University. She began to delve into the topic of fashion, to study how patterns are created, what fabrics are … In the popular among future designers, the Textile University of A. N. Kosygin and the British Higher School of Design did not go - they offered only full-time education, which was not suitable for me, studying in the 4th year of the university.
About the insider approach
Due to the fact that there were no sensible design courses as such in Moscow at that time, I had to study a lot on my own ─ from books, attending various seminars on sewing and cutting. I went to events that had nothing to do with fashion, for example, to the presentation of some German sewing machine, the manufacturer of which was opening sales in Russia. I was interested in what qualities the device should have, what to look for when buying sewing equipment. It was important for me to thoroughly understand this issue in order to become not a designer who can only sketch a sketch of a future model, but a professional who will control the production of clothes inside and out.
About the choice
This period became for me a kind of test of myself - am I really ready to devote my life to the fashion industry? Realizing that I had made the right choice, I opened a workshop and recruited staff. She began working on the creation of her debut collection of evening dresses and at the same time continued her studies, including taking lessons in academic drawing.
About debut
The first collection was called “Moscow ─ Tel Aviv” ─ I presented it in the fall of 2011 at the competition for young designers of the Tatyana Mikhalkova foundation “Russian silhouette”. Immediately after the event, I was offered to take part in the show of the Grazin magazine Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia.
About Zasport
I do not like to be satisfied with what has already been achieved, I believe that we need to move on. Dresses are dresses, but I wanted to try myself in a new direction. This is how the ZASPORT brand was born. We started working with sports clubs, federations, and various corporations. A new chapter in the history of ZASPORT began in March last year, we became the official outfitters of the Russian Olympic team. We have a contract until 2025, that is, for four Olympics.
What we encountered was not experienced by any outfitter in the world. In November, we presented the ZASPORT Olympic collection, and then, like the whole country, we followed the alarming news - our athletes are going to the Olympics, they do not go, if they go, then in what status. We made the main decision for ourselves - we will support the athletes in any case. When it became known that they were going as Olympic athletes from Russia, this meant that the tricolor, coat of arms, all national symbols were banned, and it was obvious that the uniform needed to be redone. We quickly developed the design of new equipment, sent it to the IOC and on December 29 they received an official letter that everything was agreed. We had a few weeks left to sew the neutral gear, and most of the time was during the New Year holidays. But we had no time for the holidays:my team did the almost impossible - on January 17, as planned, we opened an outfit center for athletes. We gave all the athletes two sets of uniforms - neutral and with a tricolor - there was a possibility that at the closing of the Olympics it would be possible to go with the flag.
About the form of the Olympians
I have heard a lot of positive reviews about our form, athletes praise it. When the athletes received the equipment, they doubted whether the jackets were too thin? In Korea, the weather is changeable: in the evenings it is very cold and it can snow. We explained that this is a new modern fabric that allows the product to be lightweight, yet have a high warming effect. As a result, many in Pyeongchang went wide open ─ the uniform turned out to be so warm. Foreign media also did not disregard our uniform - this is how the American edition of The Wall Street Journal called our athletes the most stylish at the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. For me, this became an indicator, because all the time I was working on the form, I only heard that it was "simple" and that it lacks a zest - they say, you need to apply a print in the spirit of national symbols, a samovar, a cup of tea, a nesting doll,drying. I am glad that I didn’t give in, and the outfit turned out the way it was intended - laconic.
About risk
The main principle that I adhere to in my work is not to hesitate in making important decisions. If your intuition tells you that you can do it, you need to take risks. Well, let's say, I would start to speculate whether we could make neutral equipment - and then, on December 29, I would probably be horrified. And having immediately replied that everything would be done, we did not even have time to get scared ─ we just got down to work right away. But, of course, the fact that I have a very strong team, in which I am confident, played a huge role. It gives me a sense of security and allows me to make such decisions.
About changes in life
At the age of 14, I moved to Moscow from Germany. It was hard enough to adapt. In addition, at first I did not speak Russian very confidently, which annoyed people around me when I tried to ask them something, to find out. My “sorry” and “please”, which I used to insert into my speech, turned out to be of no use to anyone here ─ while I was demonstrating upbringing, people began to rush me, they say, come on quickly.
The Russian school amazed me too. I did not understand how a girl at the age of 14 can go to classes with styling and high heels. And, most importantly, why? Professionally engaged in ballroom dancing, I got used to bright makeup on the floor, but in everyday life I did not use makeup, went to classes in sneakers and with a sports backpack. At first, my peers took me with hostility, but then I became friends with many and we continue to communicate to this day.
About myself
I have faced criticism, discussion and condemnation so often over the past year that I have already developed immunity. Perhaps something related to my 4-year-old son Mark can "hurt" me. In people I am attracted by responsiveness, decency, nobility and the ability to be grateful. Repulsive - the habit of lying and the inability to rejoice at someone else's success. Moreover, the latter quality is surprisingly often I see in people who are wealthy and / or have achieved a lot. In general, the main thing that my parents taught me is to treat other people's work with respect, to honor elders and always lend a helping hand to those who need it.
About family
Despite the fact that I love to work, I find it necessary to take time for myself. If, working 24/7 every day, you can't see family and friends, why all this? This approach will inevitably lead to depression, and if the work is creative, it will also destroy inspiration. But most importantly, no one will appreciate it. You need to be able to stop in time and take a break. I always try to pay attention to loved ones, the time spent with them helps me to rest and relax.
About diets
I try to monitor my health, but without fanaticism. I do not refuse sugar, flour too - in general, I eat everything, but little by little. I think that the main thing in nutrition is to observe the measure. This allows me to stay fit and not gain weight. Having slightly recovered, I feel discomfort - even a couple of extra kilos are felt. I go to the pool and spa twice a week, to the fitness center, and once a week I arrange a fasting day - I don't eat anything, just drink water or kefir.
About beauty rituals
There is always a small towel in my freezer. In the morning or at night I put it on my face for 10 minutes ─ this makes his skin toned, it becomes elastic, swelling goes away, and a healthy glow appears. I also wash my face with cold water, wipe my skin with pieces of ice.
About abilities and opportunities
Today, girls don't have to put in a lot of effort to look stylish. Much of what mass-market stores offer are created in accordance with global trends and are inexpensive. But I will allow myself one piece of advice - girls, be more modest. You should not put on all the best and immediately ─ rhinestones, feathers, fur. And I am also for naturalness. I sincerely don’t understand why to extend eyelashes, hair and nails. Youth and freshness are the best decoration.
Photo: archives of press services
Related materials
- Olympus Gods: 10 Sexiest Athletes of the 2018 Winter Olympics
- Big business success starts with small victories over yourself
- Sandals: all about the most fashionable models of the season