I am a fashion designer mainly focusing on womenswear. I completed my Master studies at Aalto Arts in Helsinki (Finland). Currently, I’m collaborating with the brand Paviljons Studio on show collections. In addition, I take part in different fashion, art and performance projects, which opens up different perspectives and allows me to work with incredibly talented and driven people, for instance for this shoot – photographer Aiga Ozo Ozolina and hair and make-up artist Anete Sidlovska.

I wouldn’t call it difficult; it’s been challenging, shaping and has included loads of hard work, of course. But now, looking back from my current perspective, it’s been an intense and very satisfying experience. I had a four-year gap between my BA and MA studies, in which I did some freelance design jobs along with working on my personal projects. And then, coming back to school was a refreshing change of mindset, where all the focus is put on creativity, experiments and the development of ideas – all supported by this incredible equipment Aalto University offers, as well as the guidance of skilled and demanding dons.

Structural, alluring and horny.

I was always fascinated by the idea how clothes work as a form of expression and are reflective of belonging to a certain group. Collection X Ring was inspired by a fetish attribute that was worn as a jewellery piece by a friend. It looked like just another accessory but it kept a secret, like a coded language of hidden desires for those who recognize it. And this is the concept behind the collection: each piece keeps a secret by revealing it in a delicate, obscure way.

Material and colour are an inseparable part of the design. They give shape, volume, weight and character. It is equally important to the other aspects; however, I believe that when the research is properly done, choosing materials for the collection can also be an intuitive process, which is just a subconscious base of knowledge.

Growing up in a tiny post-soviet country with a rather Nordic mentality has shaped my perspective on aesthetics for sure. But it also has created a resistance to the leading beauty standards of the region. That’s why I was always curious to explore other places, with a more open-minded environment. I think the beauty of all this is in the mixture of different experiences, and that definitely shapes my perception of aesthetics.

I have lived in Berlin for about five years in total and have spent some time in Antwerp as well. Berlin, with its laid-back temperament, makes room for authenticity, if this word is relevant nowadays at all. The acceptance and high tolerance which is so present in Berlin make people more relaxed about their appearance but definitely not careless. The very present party scene, flea-market culture and second-hand shopping define the leading insider trends, which definitely has left some influence on me as well.

I am lucky because I haven’t lost the feeling that I can trust life.

It does and it does not, as much as everything else in this world. To me, it is something that tickles my brain, and that is the reason why I’m doing it. But then again it is just a part of the general flow that runs life on Earth. And if it exists, it matters.

I’m very excited to see how the fashion industry is transforming along with its consumers, as it becomes more conscious – at least from the outside. In many cases, the sustainability aspect is no longer a compromise. Nowadays, the second-hand culture makes upcycling not only sustainable but also attractive. The brand Paviljons Studio, which I collaborate with, works with high-quality dead stock materials, fair trade and limited production, which means no leftovers. Those are the aspects I truly care about, yet it does not put any limitations on the design. I would really like to continue my work on a bigger scale by keeping the same approach. It gives me the freedom to create with a rather clean conscience.

I love being in a state of rhythmic change, therefore I believe the project work is the most exciting and fruitful for me. However, I find teamwork incredibly inspiring, being among other talented and equally motivated people levels up creativity, and since fashion works in cycles, I’d love to be part of some collective with similar views but different qualities and abilities.