Alexandra Petina is a name that has been making waves in the fashion industry with her unique designs and innovative approach to fashion. However, few people know about the journey that led her to become one of the most sought-after designers in the industry.
Petina's story began with her passion for architecture. She studied architecture in college and worked as an architect for several years before she realized that her true calling was in the fashion industry. She started by designing clothes for herself and her friends, and soon enough, people started to take notice of her designs.
Petina's love for architecture is evident in her designs. Her creations often feature bold geometric shapes and clean lines, inspired by the buildings and structures she used to design. However, her designs are not limited to just one style. She experiments with various textures, colors, and materials, creating a unique and diverse range of clothing.
Petina's success can be attributed to her passion for design, her willingness to take risks, and her ability to stay true to her vision. She is not afraid to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, which has helped her stand out in a crowded industry.
Her 2018 "No Way Home" collection at the British Higher School of Art and Design was inspired by immigration waves in the early 20th century.
In July 2019, a series of both authorized and unauthorized rallies erupted in Moscow in response to alleged violations committed by authorities during the registration process of independent opposition candidates in the 2019 Moscow City Duma elections. Alexandra Petina drew inspiration from these protests for her 2020 Graduate Diploma Collection at Central Saint Martins, which included a jacket that could transform into a poster. Her design was a powerful act of activism, demonstrating her protest through her art.
Petina's latest collection showcased at New York Fashion Week was a testament to her unique approach to design. She used a 3D scan app on her phone to capture the bodies of strangers on the streets of New York City, and then printed their bodies on a 3D printer, which she then used as a canvas to paint her designs.
The result was a collection that was both visually stunning and deeply personal.
MFA Final Collection - Parsons / New York Fashion Week 2022
Alexandra Petina has a diverse skill set that extends beyond the fashion industry into the world of interior design. Her current role as a Textile Designer at Aimée Wilder allows her to utilize her expertise in textile and print design to create unique interior objects, develop textiles and rugs, and create artworks that reflect the mood and theme of the collection. She conducts color tests on textiles to achieve the best match with the original graphic design, and her knowledge of textile design has allowed her to excel in rug development and fabric production.
Alexandra's love for interior design stems from her passion for textiles and print design. She desired a slower pace than the fashion industry while still creating unique moods in people's homes, which reminded her of her past interest in architectural design. In her past internship experiences, Alexandra worked hands-on with sewing, stitching, toile production, and draping on mannequins, which gave her the necessary experience to plan her future career path.
Alexandra's journey in this niche began as an intern at Tigran Avetisyan's brand after attending his lecture at her school in Moscow. Although the internship focused mainly on production tasks, such as screen printing and DIY clothing, she learned about Tigran's experience in the fashion industry and his advice on her future career. While fashion design feels natural to her due to her seven years of study, she does not want to limit herself to just one career path. The fashion industry has tight deadlines due to fashion weeks and customer demands for new designs, while interior design prioritizes timeless designs that will last for decades. Therefore, textile design for interior design provides an excellent opportunity for Alexandra to learn and grow as a designer while also applying her skills in diverse areas.
“These two industries are very different in pace. Fashion is very fast and has tight deadlines because of fashion weeks and customers demand something new. Interior design is more about things which should last over the decades. You need to carefully choose designs and color combinations. While in fashion some pieces can be very extravagant and kitschy, at homes people want to see more timeless designs, there is still place for experiments and color but more moderated.” -adds Alexandra Petina
Petina's success story is an inspiration to aspiring designers everywhere. Her journey from architecture to fashion design is a testament to the fact that it is never too late to follow your dreams. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible.
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