Opulent, enchanted, and mystical Russian designer Ulyana Sergeenko has us under her spell. Her fantastical designs are utterly mesmerizing, referencing dreamy Russian fairy tales and literature, film heroines, and a glamourous bygone time. Ulyana’s couture creations transport us into a glamorous dream we wouldn’t mind getting lost in. LVR caught up with Ulyana to learn about her inspirations, creativity, and her brand’s ethos.
How would you describe your collection?
Extremely feminine and timeless.
When clients wear your collections, how do you want them to feel?
Very confident and one of a kind.
Star sign?
Virgo
Can you tell us a bit about your design process and where you find inspiration?
The start of each collection is my favorite part of the entire process.
Everything starts with a story. Inspired by women who surround me, old movies, my favorite books, vintage toys, and memories from childhood: all inspired a personage for my new collections. Then I go to my team with a theme and the main idea and we fall into the brainstorming, everybody shares ideas and references. The next step is to sketch, followed by prototypes, selection of fabrics, and the second circle of prototypes. While the production is working on the creation, other departments develop how we will show the collection, what will be the set-up, models, music, and other teams. It is always very exciting for the entire house to prepare shows in Paris. We are the only Russian brand that works with Couture, this experience is unique to us.
You have said you are inspired by Russian literature and fairy tales. Are there any stories in particular that hold a special place in your heart?
I started the brand working with Russian heritage, but I also love to lead parallels between our culture and others. One of the biggest discoveries is that we have so much in common with European, Asian, Arabic,and African cultures. It surprised me a lot because I see clearly that I’ve found a magical and unlimited source of inspiration in these connections.
The best example is the symbol of Ulyana Sergeenko – the ruby-red rocking horse. It comes from our Soviet past, as a good memory from childhood. But it turns out that almost everybody I meet knows it already.
Muse(s)?
I’m inspired by the women around me.
You collaborate with many traditional artisans from Russia and the former Soviet Republic to produce your collections. How does this influence your work?
It influences my work very much. Since the beginning of the brand, we realized how important this part of our work is. We started searching for small ateliers, artists, fabric houses that create unique items, working with rare and almost lost techniques. These 8 years we worked with more than 150 different artisans and it influenced the brand’s DNA a lot. I can’t imagine Ulyana Sergeenko without these laborious handcrafted details and peoples’ impact and commitment. These two components together can give a “unique soul” to each item.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Watch old movies with my kids, read books and walk.
What’s your favorite place in the world and why?
Each time I plan a new holiday I keep going back to Italy.
The best advice you’ve ever been given?
Let it go.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Some of my dream collaborations are coming in the next few years. Stay tuned!
If you could have dinner with anyone (past or present), who would you choose and what meal would it be?
I would like to invite Marylin Monroe for a glass of champagne and have her try baursak (a traditional Kazakh pastry- Ulyana was born in Ust’-Kamenogorsk city, Kazakhstan)
Congratulations on your SS20 couture show in Paris! How did it go?
This was the best party I could ever dream about! I’m sending love and appreciation to everyone who made it happen.
What’s next for Ulyana Sergeenko?
Except for the Couture story that we are creating for upcoming Fashion Week in July, stay tuned for our new RTW collections.
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Text: LVR Editors
Special thanks to Ulyana Sergeenko @ulyanasergeenko, @ulyana_sergeenko_moscow
