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Interview with Yang Ge

By /FASHION/, /INTERVIEW

Text – Irina Rusinovich @irinarusinovich
Creative director and Fashion stylist – Miguel Maldonado @miguelmaldonadostylist www.miguelmaldonado.net

Model: Yang Ge @yangge_
Photographer – Dusia Sobol @dusiasobol https://dusiasobol.com
Make-up and hairstyling – Nadia Kosh @nadiakosh www.nadiakosh.com

Interview with Yang Ge

Yang Ge was born on September 7, 1988 in Beijing, China. At the age of 20, she came to Moscow for the first time; 10 years later, she became probably the best-known Chinese actress, singer, and director in Russia. In 2014, she graduated from the Russian State University of Cinematography (also known as VGIK), Sergei Solovyev Workshop, with a Drama Degree in hand.
Since 2011, Yang Ge has starred in a number of successful Russian TV shows and films, including but not limited to ‘Flight Crew’, ‘Matilda’, ‘The Conquest of Siberia’.

Since 2013, she has been a part of the Gogol Center theater, founded by the famous Russian stage and film director Kirill Serebrennikov. For personal reasons and just for work, Yang Ge is a frequent visitor to Berlin: e.g. the actress is involved in ‘Decameron’, a play jointly produced by the Deutsches Theater and the Moscow-based Gogol Center.

I took the chance to meet the actress in person and asked her a few questions, primarily about her background and her understanding of what is key to success. 

Where are you from? How does your place of origin affect your work?

Originally, I came from Beijing, China. However, I have been living in Russia since I moved there at twenty. My Chinese origin has both affected me and my work, all thanks to the rich culture of China and its traditions. Whenever I travel around the globe, I feel very special because I can always perform or do something like nobody else can. For instance, there are tiny movements in traditional Chinese dance that I usually include in my part in contemporary dance. In addition, a very typical feature of the Chinese people, which is hard work, fits me as well. All the success I have achieved so far in my career I owe to my 24/7 performance.

When did you realize you wanted to become an actress?

It was a very funny story. When I turned 20, I came to Russia for the first time, to a small town near Tula. Initially, I meant to study languages, become a translator, and work for the Chinese government. So I was moving toward that during my first year of studies. That year, I met many people from different countries who asked me if I wanted to be a translator, if it was my dream…
After I got confronted with the same question over and over again, I felt a need to ask myself who I actually wanted to be. It’s a tough question for a twenty-year-old girl without any life experience whatsoever, isn’t it?
I wrote down everything that crossed my mind at that point, then removed the most unrealistic options — it was just the word actress that stayed! Here I would like to mention a quote: ‘Never give up on something you really want. It’s difficult to wait, but more difficult to regret’.
Since that date, I have never looked back. I graduated from the Russian State University of Cinematography (VGIK, for short), with a degree in Drama eight years ago.

What message would you like to pass on to your fans?

The first and foremost message to my fans would be: before you make any decision, try asking yourself whether you will regret not doing it or not. If you think you will regret it, then just do it!
The second message I would like to get across is what my mom always told me: before you embark on something great, learn to be a decent human being first.
And the third message is to have no fear. You don’t need to listen to the opinions of others because they will never care about you as much as you do. 

What techniques do you use to create a believable character on stage?

I always strive to base my stage characters on real-life people who I observe and examine a lot. It’s interesting to see how someone’s posture or gesture shows their emotional state. You know, being an actor, you really need to communicate with people and learn from them. 

What do you like most about acting?

Every time I get a part, I learn something new! As an actor, you can live a few different lives in a row, playing a teenager or an old lady, for instance.

What is your source of inspiration?

It’s food. When I eat, I’m always in a good mood; thus, I gain power and energy to do things. That’s a very simple philosophy. 

Please describe your creative process from start to finish. How do you stay motivated, for example, while blogging on Instagram? 

You should really love what you do; otherwise, it won’t make sense. All that will be just counterproductive. 

How do you deal with viewers who dislike your content?

I don’t care about their opinion because I don’t make my videos for them. Again, it’s about being decent, about respecting others and being respected in return. 

Which of your video blogs has the highest viewership, and why do you think it’s so? 

I guess it’s Osa & Osel on TikTok, because it’s funny! Humor is what unites people. Age, race, the industry you work in don’t matter as much, but it’s having a good laugh that really matters! 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In Hollywood! I am working towards this goal right now. And I promise I will take all my chances and I will do my best!
As for my family, I wish them to stay healthy and happy. Dear Purplehaze readers, please have no regrets and stay healthy and happy too!  

Designers: Giuseppe Tella @giuseppetelladesign www.giuseppetella.com Anastasia Bogonos @anastasiabogonos www.anastasiabogonos.com Victoria Geiser @victoria.geiser www.victoria-geiser.com Laura Gerte @laura_gerte https://lauragerte.com DAMUR @damurfashion https://damur.fashion

BART PAJAK „THE POWER OF INDIVIDUALITY“

By /FASHION/, /NEWS/

THE POWER OF INDIVIDUALITY

Photo BART PAJAK @bartpajak
Fashion ARINA ORLOVA @arinaorlovastylist
Makeup BRYANNA ANGEL @bryanna_angel_mua
Models REX & CHEIKH @sheckeastt @rexadams_
MA 777 CASTING MANAGEMENT @777castingmanagement

Top & Trousers RHEA SONAWANE Corset SATION (from HUNDRED SHOWROOM) Boots JIL SANDER; Top RHEA SONAWANE  Trousers SAINT LAURENT  Sandals CALVIN KLEIN Dress RHEA SONAWANE Kimono MOLINI LONDON Boots HUNTER 

Jumper GUESS; Corset AYLAFAYE STUDIOS Shorts SATION (from HUNDRED SHOWROOM) Boots JIL SANDER

Jumper GUESS Trousers SAINT LAURENT Sandals CALVIN KLEIN Top & Trousers RHEA SONAWANE Corset SATION (from HUNDRED SHOWROOM) Boots JIL SANDER 

Top & Skirt RHEA SONAWANE

Top & Skirt RHEA SONAWANE; Top & Trousers RHEA SONAWANE Corset SATION (from HUNDRED SHOWROOM) Boots JIL SANDER 

Top & Skirt RHEA SONAWANE

Vest 66 NORTH Trousers RHEA SONAWANE Sandals PUMA 

Marat Mukhonkin „DIVINE NARCISSITS“

By /FASHION/

DIVINE NARCISSITS

Photographer: Marat Mukhonkin @mukhonkin_pro
Models: Natasha Stepanova @twainmanagement, Aleksandra Akhremenko @aleksandra_akhremenko from @vprojectmodels, Oleksiy Kolbey @oaolexiy, Rodion Degtyarev @rodio_d
Stylist: Natasha Novikova @natanovi
Style assistant: Oxana Liventsova @oxanaliv
MUAH: Janna Dzukaeva @jdmakeup__
MUAH assistant: Natalia Galunina @promakeup_natali
Location: @nakedskystudio

Oleksiy wears sweater MARM by @marm_jerseys, roses F2R by @f2r.official

Oleksiy wears body jumpsuit NO BORDERS by @noborders.shop, crinoline OLEKSIY KOLBEY by @oaolexiy, boots SYRO by @shopsyro, roses F2R by @f2r.official • Aleksandra wears body NO BORDERS by @noborders.shop, tights CALZEDONIA by @calzedonia, sandals DOLCE&GABBANA by @dolcegabanna; Oleksiy wears sweater MARM by @marm_jerseys, roses F2R by @f2r.official

Rodion wears sweater MARM @marm_jerseys, hat F2R by @f2r.official; Oleksiy and Rodion wear sweater MARM by @marm_jerseys, brooch F2R by @f2r.official

Oleksiy wears long-sleeve top MONKI by @monki, trousers ZARA by @zara, boot JIALUOWEI by @jialuowei, gloves and sword belt stylist’s own, mask BAMBOLO by @ru_bambolo • Natasha wears dress TALI RUTMAN by @tali_rutman_studio, tights CALZEDONIA by @calzedonia, sandals ZARA by @zara, all jewelry ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry • Rodion wears chain mail OLEKSIY KOLBEY by @oaolexiy, trousers ZARA by @zara, cap stylist’s own, gloves LABBRA by @labbra_shop, boots BUNKER, choker F2R by @f2r.official; Oleksiy wears body jumpsuit NO BORDERS by @noborders.shop, crinoline OLEKSIY KOLBEY by @oaolexiy, roses F2R by @f2r.official

Natasha wears dress TALI RUTMAN by @tali_rutman_studio, all jewelry ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry; Oleksiy wears top DIONIS, skirt ISABEL GARCIA by @isabelgarciarussia_official, brooch F2R by @f2r.official, cap, gloves and chain stylist’s own, shoes ZARA by @zara, socks H&M by @hm • Rodion wears top DIONIS, skirt ISABEL GARCIA by @isabelgarciarussia_official, brooch F2R by @f2r.official, hat NAF NAF @nafnaf, belt and chain stylist’s own

Oleksiy wears dress GIAMBATTISTA VALLI by @giambattistavalliparis, all jewelry ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry • Natasha wears dress DIVERSE by @diverseshop, all jewelry ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry

Alexandra wears dress TALI RUTMAN by @tali_rutman_studio, earrings ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry; Oleksiy wears long-sleeve top MONKI by @monki, trousers ZARA by @zara, boot JIALUOWEI by @jialuowei, gloves and sword belt stylist’s own, mask BAMBOLO by @ru_bambolo • Aleksandra wears kimono ELENA SUPRUN by @elena_souproun, corset AGENT PROVOCATEUR by @agentprovocateur, shorts NO BORDERS by @noborders.shop, tights CALZEDONIA by @calzedonia, sandals DOLCE&GABBANA by @dolcegabanna, all jewelry ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry • Rodion wears chain mail OLEKSIY KOLBEY by @oaolexiy, trousers ZARA by @zara, cap stylist’s own, gloves LABBRA by @labbra_shop, choker F2R by @f2r.official • Natasha wears dress TALI RUTMAN by @tali_rutman_studio, tights CALZEDONIA by @calzedonia, all jewelry ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry

Aleksandra wears velvet suit ELENA SUPRUN by @elena_souproun, necklace ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry, earrings stylist’s own; Oleksiy wears dress GIAMBATTISTA VALLI by @giambattistavalliparis, earrings ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry • Natasha wears dress DIVERSE by @diverseshop, sandals GIUSEPPEZANOTTI @giuseppezanotti, all jewelry ARDECO JEWELRY by @ardeco_jewelry

Natasha wears all clothes NO BORDERS by @noborders.shop, @necklace stylist’s own • Rodion wears penuar NO BORDERS by @noborders.shop, trousers ZARA by @zara, belt GIORGIO ARMANI @giorgioarmani

Carlo Carbonetti & Edoardo Girardin „la differenza tra me e me“

By /FASHION/

LA DIFFERENZA TRA ME E ME

Makeup Artist: Canberra Wicki @canberrawicki.mua
Photographer: Carlo Carbonetti & Edoardo Girardin @carlo_carbonetti;
Model: Sara Pannetto @sara_pannetto
Stylist: Nadia Peana @imnadia.dv

Blazer bianco in Satin STYLIST’S OWN; pantaloni in organza rosa CUSTOMIZED BY STYLIST; mules in pelle color avorio ZARA

Total look STYLIST’S OWN; Top rosa in pizzo ZARA; blazer bianco in satin STYLIST’S OWN; pantaloni in organza rosa CUSTOMIZED BY STYLIST

Top bianco monospalla ZARA; vestito arancione DESIGNER AURORA MAZZI @madrediva @aurym_; foulard in organza azzurro STYLIST’S OWN; manica trasparente CUSTOMIZED BY STYLIST;

Top velato rosa con strass e completo in satin ZARA; Mary Jane, tulle bianco e accessori STYLIST’S OWN

Gonna lunga con paillettes argento e piuma rossa CUSTOMIZED BY STYLIST; Pantaloni da completo HUMANA VINTAGE; Tabi MM6 MAISON MARGIELA; manica e copricapo nero in tulle CUSTOMIZED BY STYLIST; anello ZARA

Top verde con strisce in pelle bianca CUSTOMIZED BY STYLIST; gonna in pelle rossa STYLIST’S OWN; Tabi MM6 Maison Margiela; guanti in pelle nera STYLIST’S OWN; catena argento sottile STYLIST’S OWN;

Top nero velato ZARA; corsetto in pelle CUSTOMIZED BY STYLIST; pantaloni pitonati in pelle ZARA; stivali con zeppa ZARA; Top verde con strisce in pelle bianca CUSTOMIZED BY STYLIST; gonna in pelle rossa STYLIST’S OWN; Tabi MM6 Maison Margiela; guanti in pelle nera STYLIST’S OWN; catena argento sottile STYLIST’S OWN; bastone in legno e argento VINTAGE

Greta Bartuccio „The dance of Angels“

By /FASHION/

THE DANCE OF ANGELS

The progenitors left all their descendants with the loss of divine grace, pain and death.
„I have seen martyrs on fire like flashlights Preparing their evergreen palms thus I have seen tears of love ooze That will outlast the stars in heaven.“ In an advancing desert, the human hero moves like a stranger. He looks at the earth, lost home and the sky , ancient cradle is now only a heavy wall that turns to dust before his eyes.
„The nights without skin, Dreams without stars“.

Hair Stylist: Nicole Sorti @nicolesorti_makeup
Stylist: Cristina Cucinotta @cristina_cucinotta
Makeup Artist: Chiara Baldini @_maybechiara
Photographer: Greta Bartuccio @gretabartuccio
Model: Emily O’dette @sophie.models @esodette

Shirt : Cristina Cucinotta; Skirt : Cristina Cucinotta

Dress : Cristina Cucinotta; Shoes : Vintage

Shirt : Cristina Cucinotta; Skirt : Cristina Cucinotta; Shoes : Vintage

Crown : Handmade; Sweatshirt : Cristina Cucinotta; Pants : Vintage; Shoes : Vintage

Dress : Cristina Cucinotta; Shoes : Vintage

Jumper: Vintage; Gloves : Vintage; Skirt : Handmade by Cristina Cucinotta

Crown : Handmade;Sweatshirt : Cristina Cucinotta; Pants : Vintage; Shoes : Vintage; Jumper: Vintage Gloves : Vintage; Skirt : Handmade by Cristina Cucinotta; Shoes : Vintage

Interview with designer Sasha Gapanovich

By /FASHION/, /INTERVIEW

Text
I r i n a  R u s i n o v i c h
Photos courtesy of the designer

Interview with designer Sasha Gapanovich

Why did you decide to choose fashion designing as a career?

I have been involved in creative work since I was a child. My mother is a sewing technologist; in my early years, I spent a lot of time at the sewing factory where she worked. Thus, my choice of profession was very natural and harmonious for me. Immediately after school, I went to master my sewing skills. It was a design competition that awakened my creative ambitions: I came up with an idea of  making my own collection, and I eventually made one in 2003.

Would you tell us something about your background?

Yes, please. Here is my CV: 

School №13, the seamstress of the top lady’s wear, (1997—2000), Murmansk;

Moscow State Pedagogical University, Technology and Design faculty (2001—2006), Murmansk;
Namodnenie, special diploma for the Everyday Chic collection (2003), Murmansk;
Grantee, business incubator of the Murmansk region (2009);
Grantee, KPD 2010 city competition (2010), Murmansk;
Nordic Look international project participant (2011), Finland—Iceland;
Grantee, KPD 2012 city competition (2012), Best Production Project category, Murmansk;
Advanced training, Art & Design course, Central St. Martins College (2012), London;
Training, Metrics online academy of branding and design (2020), Moscow; 

And some of my best performances:

Barents Fashion Week (2008), Russia—Norway;
Fashion show (May 8—11, 2009), Norway;
La Belle Hollywood fashion show (2011), Oslo, Norway;

Beauty of the Polar Region regional contest, designer (2011, 2012), Murmansk;
Jury Member, Namodnenie, the regional festival of young designers (2011—2021), Murmansk;
Sicily Fashion Project (2015), Sicily;
Lexus Fashion Day (2017), Murmansk;
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, season 42 (2021), Moscow;
Lamoda fashion reality show (2021), Moscow;
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, season 43 (2021), Moscow;

Collaborative project between the Ethnographic Museum of St. Petersburg and the platform for young Russian brands Front (2021), Moscow—St. Petersburg; 

More than 100 publications in various international and Russian magazines, including but not limited to: Vogue Russia, Vogue Italia, L’Officiel Australia, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle Russia, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, L’Officiel Russia, Grazia, Glamour, BURO, The Blueprint, Beinopen, Purplehaze

Is it difficult to be a fashion designer in Russia?

It is, especially, in the regions. There is virtually no financial support for talented young people: for all the time I have been working as an artist, the situation remains unchanged…

You design wonderful things. I wonder who or what is your source of inspiration for work?

Speaking about the last collection, the main source of inspiration for it was my native land: the nature of the far north, its colors and textures, the general mood of the places I was born and raised in. 

It is also interesting how you combine femininity and volume. What is the story behind it? 

It’s hard for me to say what kind of story is behind this mix of large shapes and vibrant femininity. Yet indeed, in my early years, I would always gravitate towards the large shapes breaking into space and the flowing feminine silhouettes.

What is your favorite part of being a fashion designer?

My favorite parts are creative research, conceptualization, the sketching stage, and the demonstration of the collection itself, where you can see the overall result of your work.

Please define fashion.

Fashion is something very fast, bright, and cutting-edge, conveying the sentiments of society — and going one step ahead. 

How do you stay up to date regarding fashion?

I analyze trends. Information comes from everywhere, even if you’re not specifically looking for it.

What do you think about work ethics? What kind of ethics do you think one should follow while working in fashion?

In my opinion, we shouldn’t only speak about fashion,  but also other areas of humanity.

How would you describe your personal style?

My lifestyle is rather ordinary: I am a working mum of four daughters living in the far north. I would compare my everyday life with something comfortable, cosy, big, warm, layered, and agender, but necessarily with a pair of interesting and accentual shoes (shoes are a particular passion of mine). 

If it is an event, it should be restrained, either of an interesting cut or a laconic silhouette, with print accents and a combination of fabrics. 

Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

I’m still a mother and a friend to my daughters, a designer of a brand with a mature, worldwide recognized name, not just a start-up. I enjoy a loyal following and have a boutique in Paris (which is my big dream actually). Time will tell 😉

Damiano Lilliu „MUTATIO“

By /FASHION/

MUTATIO

Photography by Damiano Lilliu @outmaind
Makeup by Victoria @vic.vanity
Art direction and styling by Eleonora Marinelli @eeleonoramarinelli 
BLOUSE AND SHOES: ZARA CORSET: INTIMISSIMI SKIRT AND SOCKS: STYLIST’S OWN
BLOUSE AND SHORT PANTS: MAX MARA CORSET, SOCKS AND SHOES:STYLIST’S OWN
SHIRT: INTIMISSIMI SILK DRESS: LA PERLA SOCKS: CALZEDONIA LEATHER JACKET: VINTAGE SHOES: CESARE PACIOTTI
SHIRT: INTIMISSIMI SILK DRESS: LA PERLA SOCKS: CALZEDONIA LEATHER JACKET: VINTAGE SHOES: CESARE PACIOTTI

JACKET, PANTS AND SHOES: VINTAGE LEG WARMERS AND SHOES: STYLIST’S OWN BEANIE: ZARA

CUSTOMED MADE JACKET BY ME SKIRT: VINTAGE; SHIRT: INTIMISSIMI BODY, LEG WARMERS AND JACKET: STYLIST’S OWN SOCKS: CALZEDONIA SHOES: ZARA
BRA: INTIMISSIMI PANTS: LA PERLA LEG WARMERS: DIMENSIONE DANZA JACKET: STYLIST’S OWN

Castellani & Liszkai „Inside View“

By /FASHION/

INSIDE VIEW

Makeup Artist: Chiara Giangrossi @giangrossichiaramua
Photographer: Castellani & Liszkai @mark.castellani
Hair Stylist: Linda Palma @linda.palma01
Wardrobe Stylist: Gergana Dimitrova @gerganastylist
Assistant: Sebastiano Bosi @ph.sebastiano.bosi
Model: Tatiana Beletskaia @beletskayatanya @ww_mgmt
Assistant: Elisa Caputo @caputoelisa

Dress – Alberto Zambelli; Collar – Gerlando; Earrings – PD Paola; Boots – 8 by Yoox; Coat – Genny; Earrings -Radà; Earring – Gerlando; Shoes – Armani;

Collar – Gucci; Shirt – Weili Zheng; Pants – Stella Mccartney; Earrings -Radà; Handbag – i.jiji; Collar – Gucci;  Shirt – Weili Zheng; Pants – Stella Mccartney; Earrings -Radà; Handbag – i.jiji; Shoes – Unisa;  Ring – Gerlando; 

Shirt and belt/collar- SARAWONG; Earrings – Radà; Dress – Alberto Zambelli; Blazer – Antonio Corposanto;  Earrings – Radà;

Coat – Genny;  Earrings -Radà; Earring – Gerlando; Shoes – Armani; 

Dress – Alberto Zambelli;  Collar – Gerlando; Earrings – PD Paola; Boots – 8 by Yoox; Blouse – Genny; Trousers – SARAWONG; Eyewear – Huma; Earrings – PD Paola; Crossbody bag – Vic Matie; Bags – Coco D’Este;

Cloak – Romeo Gigli; Hat – Montegallo; Earrings – Radà; Shoes – Unisa;

Dmitry Shishulin „need for sea“

By /FASHION/

NEED FOR SEA

Creative director / Stylist Alena Sudarikova @almost_____naked
Photographer Dmitry Shishulin @shishulin_dmitry
Model Eugene Mislev @jeck_mislev
Make up artist Nadya Tsarapki @nadya_tsarapki
Hairstylist Nadya Tsarapki @nadya_tsarapki