Exclusive of the National Centre RUSSIA: designer Sergey Sysoev on the "Fashion" exposition at the Department Store of the National Centre
The
"Fashion" exposition of young designers at the Department Store of
the National Centre RUSSIA introduces visitors to domestic artists who create
pieces on par with their Western European colleagues. One of Russia’s key
designers, Candidate of Art History Sergey Sysoev, whose Autumn-Winter 2024/25
works are presented at the Department Store, spoke about this in an interview
with the National Centre RUSSIA. The exposition also features works by his
students from the SERGEY SYSOEV Fashion School at the Kosygin Russian State
University. The displayed pieces demonstrate how architecture interacts with
fashion and is reinterpreted in fashion designers' collections.
"I am
very glad that this exposition is being held specifically at the National Centre
RUSSIA, allowing us to showcase the works of both emerging and established
fashion designers so that the country can recognize its heroes. We have many
artists who create unique pieces, and their works carry deep meaning,"
emphasizes Sergey Sysoev.
In the
pieces presented at the exposition, the designer incorporates architectural
elements of VDNH. Stucco moldings, ceramic panels, and bronze sculptures become
prints and decorative elements of the collections.
"I
have dreamed of such an experiment for a long time — where an exposition space
could showcase how the art of architecture influences the art of fashion. I
have often turned to architecture, incorporating key, iconic elements of
different periods into my work. Many times, these have become photo
prints," says Sergey Sysoev.
The works
of the designer’s students reflect artistic strategies in which science,
architecture, and design intertwine in unconventional forms. While mastering
the fundamentals of their profession, students at the school have the
opportunity to present the results of their work at major expositions and on
fashion runways.
"My
students followed my lead and found inspiration. Some turned to the
architecture of the new Zaryadye complex, while others were drawn to the
history of high-rise buildings, which may look similar but are filled with
fascinating life," shares the fashion artist.
Young
designer Yevgenia Makarova incorporated elements of Zaryadye Park into her
dress. Lev Khlebnikov recreated the aesthetics of 1990s panel houses in his
signature prints. Alexandra Popadko found inspiration in Stalinist
architecture, Alisa Getalova in brutalism, Ksenia Dukhanova in space
exploration, and Diana Koltashova in the carved wooden manor of blacksmith
Sergei Kirillov.
"One
of the most unique works by my students, I would say, is the work of Diana
Kashtanova. It tells the story of a blacksmith — a simple man, a craftsman —
who spent his entire life building the same house. A house he inherited and
transformed over time. Today, this wooden cottage looks like a gingerbread
house, adorned with a variety of colors, intricate carvings, and metalwork. A
man who dedicated his life to constructing his own home has, in fact, created a
true work of art," shares Sergey Sysoev.
The
designer is convinced that this is exactly how fashion and architecture
intertwine. A viewer unfamiliar with architectural masterpieces or design
solutions can discover them through fashion shows, gaining a deeper connection
to the history of their country from different perspectives.
Host Alexei Slushchev and philosopher Konstantin Matsan discuss how ideas about human values have developed and whether they can influence our lives today.
In addition to souvenirs, a tea collection and healthy sweets, visitors to the Department Store showed particular interest in books.
