How New York Shaped My Creativity
- DariyaRepina
- Aug 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Stepping into New York City for the first time, I was immediately struck by its scale. After nearly four years in Rome’s narrow alleys and cozy piazzas, New York’s wide avenues, towering skyscrapers, and larger cars felt like a whole new dimension.
Having admired the city for years through films, experiencing it in person felt like entering my own cinematic story. From the vibrant streets of Manhattan, a hub for fashion, art, film, theater, and so much more, to the artistic energy of Brooklyn, I felt completely immersed in the city's diversity and creativity.
A Green Oasis in the Concrete Jungle
I also loved how Central Park felt like a peaceful green oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. It offered a sense of calm right in the heart of the city.
New York — from the skyline to the peaceful green oasis
A City That Felt Like Home
During my time in the city, I met amazing people, including many creative individuals, some of whom I am still friends with today. New York was also one of the few places where I could speak all five of my languages in a single day.
Although I was still learning English at the time, I picked it up quickly through friendships, everyday conversations, and creative collaborations. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds made me feel understood, inspired, and even more at home.
It was a city where language, culture, and creativity came together naturally. That energy became an important part of my own creative growth.
New York street moments — art, movement, and the energy of the city
New York After Dark
New York's creative energy did not stop when the sun went down. Beyond the city's daytime inspiration, nightlife opened another side of New York — bold, vibrant, and full of life.
From rooftop bars with skyline views to events and underground parties filled with music, every night offered a new adventure. Each experience introduced me to new people, places, and perspectives, adding another layer to my time in the city.
I'm grateful for the memories from nights out, events, and unforgettable moments shared with fellow creatives.
Fun Fact
I met my now-husband during my first weeks in New York.
A Caribbean Pause
After an incredible time in New York, I headed to the Dominican Republic to spend time with my family, who were there at the time. I had been visiting the island since I was 14, and I never got tired of the turquoise ocean, the vibrant flavors of the food, and the gentle Caribbean breeze that made everything feel lighter.
It was the perfect pause to recharge before the next chapter of my creative journey.
A Caribbean pause before the next chapter
Finding Focus in Stockholm
After my travels from Rome to New York and then the Dominican Republic, I was ready to begin designing my collection. Stockholm was the perfect place for this. It is a city I consider home, the place where my family lives and where I spent part of my childhood and teenage years before moving to Rome. Being surrounded by family and old friends gave me a sense of comfort.
Summer is my favorite season there. The long, bright days fill me with energy and inspiration. Stockholm has a unique charm, and it is a wonderful city to experience, especially during the summer months.
In Stockholm, I could finally gather my thoughts and sketches without too many distractions. I found the space and clarity to bring my ideas to life. One day, I hope to have a creative studio there—a place to return to, collect my thoughts, and develop new collections while surrounded by the focus and calm that Stockholm gives me.
Finding focus in Stockholm — long summer days and space to create
After some time in Stockholm, I returned to Rome with sketches, ideas, and a clearer vision. In my next post, I'll share the journey of bringing the collection to life in Italy: My First Collection, Made In Italy
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