The Collection's Next Chapter

DariyaRepina
May 22
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

After completing my collection in Italy, I brought it to New York, where a new chapter began. Introducing the collection to a wider audience opened the door to new opportunities, including showroom representation, editorials, creative collaborations, and retail placements.

One of the first opportunities came when the collection was placed at MAO Public Relations, a showroom in New York's Meatpacking District known for working closely with leading editors, stylists, writers, and celebrities in the fashion industry.

Press and Placements

Being represented in this environment gave the collection the opportunity to reach a wider audience, become part of a larger creative network, and be considered for fashion magazines, editorials, celebrity placements, and other creative projects.

Press features and placements

From Rome to SoHo

After returning to Rome and creating my second collection, I brought the designs back to New York. A selection of my bags and accessories was placed in a high-end fashion boutique in SoHo, Manhattan. Seeing my designs available there was an exciting milestone and a memorable moment in my journey as a designer.

Selected bags and accessories by Dariya Repina in SoHo, Manhattan

Creative Collaborations in New York

I also began finding my way into creative collaborations. I attended photoshoots in person with my designs and connected with photographers, stylists, and other creatives.

Some of the photographers I worked with later went on to work with major editorial fashion magazines, which makes those early collaborations even more meaningful to look back on today.

One of those collaborations was with photographer Yulia Gorbachenko, where selected accessories from my collection were featured in a creative shoot.

Creative collaboration with photographer Yulia Gorbachenko, featuring selected accessories from the collection

Another exciting collaboration was a photoshoot styled by my friend Carlotta Rosatti, featuring clothing by Lie Sang Bong alongside selected accessories from my collection.

New York collaboration styled by Carlotta Rosatti, featuring selected accessories

A New York Perspective

These additional photographs offer a closer look at some of the designs and their details, photographed in New York.

While the collection was finding new opportunities in New York, some pieces remained in Italy with my talented stylist friend Carolina Turra, who featured them in editorials, music videos, and other creative projects.

Dariya Repina Made In Italy Collection

Continuing the Story in Italy

One particular pair of leather gloves from the collection went on to appear in several projects and publications in Italy. They were worn by Italian television host Laura Barth and Italian actress Veronica Olivier, and were featured on the cover of Maxim Italia, worn by Miss Italia and actress Francesca Chillemi. The gloves also appeared in the music video for Il Cantante by the Italian pop-rock group Lost.

Laura Barth and Veronica Olivier wearing leather gloves by Dariya Repina

Seeing the design featured on the cover of Maxim Italia was an exciting moment.

Francesca Chillemi wearing leather gloves by Dariya Repina on the cover of Maxim Italia

A Music Video Feature

The leather gloves were also featured in the music video Il Cantante by the Italian pop-rock band Lost. You can watch the full video here: Lost, Il Cantante

Leather gloves featured in the music video Il Cantante by Lost

The Collection Takes the Runway

When Nikki Beach opened in Cabarete, I had the opportunity to showcase my collection there as part of the event What Women Want. Presented by Nikki Beach Lifestyle and featuring my collection Caribbean Breeze, the event brought together fashion, beauty, music, and entertainment in a vibrant Caribbean setting. It was exciting to present my designs surrounded by the energy and beauty of the island.

The event also marked one of the first Studio Repina collaborations between my mom and me. Together, we created a series of tulle skirts called Caribbean Breeze, inspired by the movement, color, and atmosphere of the Caribbean. In many ways, this was where Studio Repina was born.

Caribbean Breeze by Dariya Repina at Nikki Beach, Dominican Republic

I am grateful to the Nikki Beach organizers, sponsors, including Moët & Chandon and Max Factor, and the entire team for the opportunity. It was my first runway show, and it took place in a place where I felt at home. The experience taught me a great deal and remains a wonderful memory. Another highlight was seeing French model and reality television personality Vanessa Lawrens walk the runway.

Nikki Beach, Dominican Republic

Continuing the Story in Sweden

After my travels and many sources of inspiration, I took my designs to Sweden. It was a time to reconnect with family and friends, but also to continue creating.

I still had large pieces of leftover leather, and while in Sweden I became inspired to sketch new designs. With the help of my mom, I was able to bring some of them to life. She is a very talented seamstress, and together we created several new pieces.

Nubuck top and black leather shorts designed by Dariya Repina

Made in Stockholm by my mom and me, these designs became part of an early Studio Repina project.

Studio Repina Presents: Design by Dariya Repina, Handmade by Lana Repina

When the designs were completed, I had the opportunity to have them featured in an editorial shoot for the Swedish magazine VeckoRevyn. Seeing my work receive publicity in my hometown was both exciting and rewarding.

Gold leather shorts by Dariya Repina, featured in Vecko Revyn

This chapter tells the story of my Made in Italy collection and the early beginnings of Studio Repina. It was a journey filled with creativity, travel, collaborations, and opportunities that helped shape my path as a designer.

The next chapter takes me to the United States, where a new stage of life began. I'll share how love brought me across the Atlantic, how I found my way into television, film, and commercial work, and how those experiences influenced my creative journey. Now, living in Los Angeles, another chapter is being written, one that continues to shape both my career and the future of Studio Repina.