Costume Design - Material Exploration

From 2013 to 2024, I ran an independent costume design studio specializing in custom performance costumes for rhythmic gymnastics and figure skating. During this period, I created approximately 500 one-of-a-kind costumes for athletes ranging in age from 3 to 20, including athletes from the Russian national rhythmic gymnastics team. Working primarily in the premium segment, I designed and produced each costume from concept to completion, including original sketches, construction, hand painting on fabric, and hand embellishment with Swarovski crystals. I also created coordinated costumes for dance groups of 6–10 performers.

This twelve-year period became an important part of my creative and professional development. It involved not only design and craftsmanship, but also an ongoing exploration of fabric, color, proportion, silhouette, movement, and the relationship between clothing and the human body. Working closely with clients and their families taught me to translate individual ideas and personalities into visual form while balancing artistic intuition with practical requirements. This experience continues to influence my approach to color, composition, material, and the human figure in my painting practice.