Fashion blogger Ekaterina Tsarkova. Conversation about Russian fashion

Today we will talk about Russian fashion. Fashion blogger Ekaterina Tsarkova will answer mystylex.techinfus.com/en/ questions. Ekaterina maintains her blog in LJ - fashionlife.livejournal.com, which was created back in 2005, and she is also the editor of a site about fashion. Today Ekaterina is at the shows of many Russian designers and is a fairly successful and popular blogger. And most importantly, she has her own opinion, her own view of fashion, which Ekaterina will share with us, and give advice to novice bloggers.

1. Fashion from Russia, what is its peculiarity, exactly today and right now? What is it like at the moment, Russian fashion?

Russian fashion is a difficult child. But not because he is bad, but because he grows up in difficult conditions, is engaged in self-digging, is forced to compete and prove something. It is not easy for this child, but he fights, grows up, gets better and better.

It used to be "fashionable" to say that there is no fashion in Russia. This is an outdated opinion. There is fashion, there are talented designers. There is no industry, support from the state, but I hope this will change.

2. What, in your opinion, is the difference between European and Russian fashion?

The difference is in the baggage of the past, we simply do not have it, we are only now building the foundation, while in Europe the upper floors are already being equipped. European fashion is commercial, they know exactly what they want and how to achieve it, we are just learning.

European designers have long earned a name and status for themselves all over the world, they are trusted "in absentia", and Russian designers need to win love even among their compatriots. In Europe, fashion is an industry, an organism, where each component is a part of a single whole, while in our country each exists by itself - universities, designers, boutiques, fashion magazines.

Therefore, our fashion weeks come later than everyone else, when buyer's budgets are already closed, and not all collections fall into trends. But, it is pleasant to note that there are changes for the better and I believe in Russian fashion, it just needs time.

3. Katya, what do you think is the atmosphere in the Russian fashion industry, among Russian designers, is it easy for new names and new ideas to break through?

The atmosphere is not the easiest, unfortunately. A lot is decided by money and the party, not talent. Those who are imprisoned for pure creativity will have to adapt to this and accept the rules of the game, otherwise there is no way. You have to fight, being a clothing designer in Russia is not an easy way.

Many well-established designers are friends with each other, go to each other's shows, speak warmly about colleagues, this is very nice.

4. Which Russian designers do you like? Are there beginners, new names among them?

I have great sympathy for Oleg Biryukov, Borodulin's design duo (designers Anna and Alexey Borodulins), for the Bunakova Hokhloff Collection brand (Yulia Bunakova and Evgeny Khokhlov), Kirill Gasilin, Natasha Drigant, Natalia Kolykhalova, Max Chernitsov. I wear clothes of some of them with pleasure.

Among the beginners, I would like to mention some designers from the Backstage showroom - Studio Seven, Kristina Tops, Julia Ivanova.

5. Models from Russia, how do you think they can become successful in Europe today, in the 2010s? Is Russian beauty still valued in the West?

Russian fashion models can and are becoming successful. They are beautiful, well-groomed, neat. Despite the fast fashion for original faces and types, the world gravitates towards classic beauty. I think our girls will always be in demand.

6. Today you are a fairly well-known fashion blogger. What do you think is the purpose, the raison d'être of fashion blogs?

The goal is to share something interesting with your readers that you know well. As if you had a hobby and you would tell your friends about it - revealing little secrets, sharing personal experience.

7.Your blog has a lot of you, your opinion, your views, which, in my opinion, is the main thing in any blog, not only about fashion, because a blog is not really journalism, something of its own is important here, and not only information. Can you agree that in blogs it is important to always speak for yourself and sincerely? And so that you can advise those who are just starting to write about fashion to blog?

I believe that my own opinion and experience is the basis of blogging. People go to blogs for the opinion of a living person, they are interested in a look from the inside, a dialogue with a specific person. For me, sincerity is very important, moreover, it does not cancel professionalism, but rather "animates" it.

For those who are just starting to blog about fashion, I would advise you to write about what is interesting for yourself. Define the concept, at least in general terms and "zest", the corporate identity, which will somehow distinguish the blog from the rest. It is very important not to spy at this stage. Now there are a lot of blogs and interesting ideas, but there should be something of their own, then it will be interesting to everyone. And of course, do not expect that after a couple of posts you will be inundated with gifts and invitations, this is a nice bonus, but you need to earn it.

8. Your motto for life.

"Say what you know, do what you can, and - come what may!"