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My First Collection, Made In Italy

  • Writer: DariyaRepina
    DariyaRepina
  • Mar 31
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 1

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After finding inspiration in New York, taking a Caribbean pause in the Dominican Republic, and spending quiet time sketching in Sweden, the next step was bringing those ideas to life.


A previous trip to London had also left a strong mark on me, and together these experiences shaped the main cities of inspiration for this collection: New York, London, Stockholm, and Rome.


Graphic Composition

I put together these graphic images to explore colors, shapes, and details while designing my mini collection.

Rome - Where the Collection Came to Life

I began by visiting leather shops to select high-quality materials. Some of the leather comes from the same suppliers used for iconic designs like the Balenciaga City bag.

I then worked with two Italian workshops- one specializing in bags and the other in accessories - where skilled women artisans brought my designs to life, transforming sketches into handcrafted pieces.


The Collection, Completed

Once the collection was completed, I wanted to capture images that reflected its overall mood and aesthetic. Photographed in Rome, the collection was brought to life through the creative direction and styling of my incredibly talented friend, Carolina Turra, who assembled an amazing team.


Beyond bags, the collection featured accessories including arm pieces, gloves, the Suspender Shoulder Piece, and the Leg Piece.


Spring/Summer Collection - Recap

The collection features lighter leather, expressing the color and energy of the season.

Fall/Winter Collection

The collection is defined by carefully selected leather that reflects the strength and structure of the season.

Dariya Repina Collection Made In Italy

Versatility in Design

The collection is based on versatility, with bags designed as 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 pieces that can be assembled and transformed into smaller forms. The mix of colors adds a playful element. Inspired by different cultures, the collection reflects a layered identity where diversity and adaptability come together.


Beyond Seasons

While materials and colors explored spring/summer and fall/winter, the collection was never defined by seasons.

Inspired by my upbringing, my travels through cosmopolitan cities, and my years living in Rome and Stockholm, the collection reflects a layered journey. It was sketched in Sweden and created in Italy, where craftsmanship met my vision, transforming ideas into pieces that carry their own story.

Now, in 2026, living in Los Angeles, I look back at this collection as part of the archives - not because it is old, but because it is timeless. It continues to serve as a foundation for new designs to come..


The next blog post will follow the collection’s journey to New York, along with the collaborations and press that followed.

 
 
 

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