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From the Philosophy of Luxury Brands to the Art of Tailoring: The Journey of Vera Barysheva

Article

Vera Barysheva

Photography

Kirill Ustinov
Katerina Prosvirnina

Writer

Yana Karnaukhova

Vera Barysheva is a master of her craft, seamlessly combining the art of tailoring with a profound understanding of the luxury fashion world. With years of experience as a buyer for leading brands, she has mastered not only the visual aesthetics but also the intricate construction details that make luxury truly unique.
In this interview, Vera shares her perspective on crafting perfect garments, the importance of a personalized approach, and the preservation of high-quality traditions.

Yana Karnaukhova: Vera, how did your journey into the world of fashion begin, and what drew you specifically to niche and luxury brands?

Vera Barysheva: My journey into fashion began back in fifth grade. I was born in the Soviet Union, into a family of metallurgists where hard work was valued above all else. Yet, even in such an environment, my mother stood out as an incredibly creative and elegant woman. Her taste, sense of style, and ability to find beauty in the everyday continue to inspire me to this day.
At that time, due to the economic challenges of perestroika and the default, there was a severe shortage of money and goods in stores. I remember traveling with my parents to rural areas in search of fabric. My mother would buy several meters at a time and sew clothes for us, doing her best to create something beautiful.
My older sister also played a significant role in shaping my love for fashion. She always looked refined and stylish, and watching her sparked my first thoughts about fashion. I vividly recall the time she was preparing to attend a concert, and I was mesmerized by her look. I wanted so badly to be like her that I decided to sew a miniature version of her outfit for myself. That was my first creation, made entirely with my own hands. Her enthusiastic reaction was all the confirmation I needed that I was on the right path.
It was then that I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to fashion. Through education, experimentation, and many trials and errors, this passion transformed into my profession and lifelong calling.

“Later, my incredible female clients, true fashion enthusiasts, inspired me to create women’s looks for them.”

YK: What is your primary source of inspiration when working with fabrics and garment construction?

VB: My first encounter with the world of luxury happened during childhood through early-morning fashion shows on TV.
Back then, I didn’t understand what “luxury” meant, but I watched Giorgio Armani’s runway shows with bated breath. Those elegant lines, noble fabrics, and incredible attention to detail fascinated me. It wasn’t just clothing — it was art.
Later, I had the chance to experience a true luxury item for the first time. The feeling is hard to put into words: every stitch, every curve seemed to tell a story. Luxury items have a kind of magic — they narrate tales and evoke unforgettable emotions. That moment became a turning point in my life when I realized I wanted to create something just as extraordinary and unique.

YK: What event or moment in your career was pivotal in realizing that working with luxury brands was your true calling?

VB: A pivotal moment in my career was being commissioned for an Giorgio Armani collection.
Working with menswear requires a refined approach: there’s no room for excess, and every detail must be meticulously thought out.
Later, my incredible female clients, true fashion enthusiasts, inspired me to create women’s looks for them. This became a revelation for me. I take pride in the fact that my knowledge of tailoring and brand DNA helps people feel confident and beautiful as they showcase the garments I create for them.

YK: Which designers or brands have influenced your professional growth? Do you have any idols in the world of fashion?

VB: I have always been inspired by brands where philosophy is felt in every detail.
Jil Sander, Celine, Calcaterra, Bottega Veneta, Loro Piana, Isabel Marant — all these brands inspire me with their uniqueness and sophistication. Their minimalism and layering conceal complex techniques and painstaking craftsmanship.
Giorgio Armani’s menswear collections hold a special place in my heart. They possess something timeless — refined classics with subtle Eastern influences. It’s always about harmony, balance, and perfection.

“To create is to master the craft, to know how garments are constructed from the inside, to understand production technology, and to design various forms and silhouettes. “

YK: What are your favorite fabrics to work with and why? Are there any materials you particularly value for their quality or unique properties?

VB: I love working with dense, “architectural” fabrics. Materials like wool, cotton, denim, and heavy silk allow for the creation of graphic, defined silhouettes while maintaining femininity and elegance. These fabrics have a character of their own, which one must learn to interact with.
On the other hand, there’s the charm of working with lightweight fabrics. Handling silk, for example, feels like dancing: it’s fluid and capricious, but the result always amazes with its beauty and grace. 

 

YK: Vera, which project or collection has been especially significant to you on an emotional level, and why?

VB: Perhaps it’s unconventional, but I don’t have favorite collections. I find something valuable in each of them. I’m drawn to everything minimalist — though, by “minimalist,” I mean pieces with complex craftsmanship and extraordinary tailoring.
I also cannot resist layering. I understand it deeply and believe that I excel at creating monochrome and multi-layered looks alike.
I adore working with prints and combining them. One day, I realized how it all works, a secret few possess.

YK: What drives you when selecting brands to curate? What qualities must a brand possess for you to choose to work with it?

VB: Unfortunately, fashion in Russia is still in its infancy. Many brands lack the understanding that fashion is more than just clothing. It’s a philosophy, a form of communication, a reflection of culture and time.
To create is to master the craft, to know how garments are constructed from the inside, to understand production technology, and to design various forms and silhouettes. I genuinely believe that, over time, we can build a strong and distinctive fashion industry.

“My key value in work is attention to detail.”

YK: How does your personal style and aesthetic influence your work with brands? Is there something you always strive to convey in the process?

VB: My key value in work is attention to detail. I always strive to either calm down a design or bring out the best in it.
Harmony and purity are my ultimate goals, so that every garment and every look reflects not just aesthetics but also the inner world of the person wearing it. For me, it’s important that clothes not only adorn but also reveal personality.

YK: How do you handle creative challenges? What helps you stay inspired when facing complex tasks?

VB: Creative challenges have followed me throughout my life, and this is absolutely true.
Fashion, to me, is more than just clothing. I find solace in my craft and draw inspiration from it. I’m also inspired by the people for whom I create. My circle of clients has become smaller, but perhaps that makes it all the more valuable. It’s essential to create for “your own” or for those who appreciate your vision and dedication to your work.
Staying at the peak of inspiration is a tremendous effort. Inspiration cannot be forced to appear. At times, it feels as though you have nothing left to say.