My Mother’s Influence on My Creative Path (Part 1)

Growing up surrounded by my mother's creative projects shaped my creativity. Even now, she continues to turn ordinary moments into opportunities for artistic expression. Whether she is sewing, painting, or rearranging furniture to give a room a fresh feel, her passion for art and design is contagious.

Gems From The Past (Fashion)

Sketches by Lana Repina

Sketches by Lana Repina

Sketches by Lana Repina

Sketches by Lana Repina

Fashion wasn’t easy to find during the Soviet era; trendy clothes were rare treasures many could only dream of. Unlike in Western countries, where fashion changed quickly and stores offered a wide variety, Soviet clothing was usually mass-produced with simple designs and practical fabrics. Trendy or luxury items were hard to come by and often reserved for the elite. Ordinary people had limited choices, and shopping for stylish clothes was a real challenge, with frequent shortages in stores.

Because of these limitations, many people- especially creative women like my mom-took matters into their own hands. She didn’t wait for fashion to come to her- she made it happen. Even though Western fashion wasn’t easily accessible, it still found its way into the USSR through magazines and movies. These glimpses of global trends were a huge source of inspiration.

Then, in 1987, something revolutionary happened in Soviet fashion: BURDA, a German sewing and fashion magazine, was officially allowed to be sold in the USSR. It was the first Western fashion magazine to appear legally on Soviet newsstands. I remember growing up with these magazines- they were full of style inspiration and included sewing patterns that helped bring those ideas to life.

With limited fabrics and materials, my mom became incredibly resourceful. She always found a way to make beautiful, on-trend garments for our whole family. We always looked stylish, thanks to her creativity and skill.

Another window into the Western world came through my dad. He’s from Peru, and we had the chance to live there for a few years during that time. Experiencing a new culture gave my mom fresh inspiration. She would buy fabrics in Peru and turn them into new garments, blending her own style with textures of a different world.

Here’s a glimpse of some of the outfits designed and sewn by my mom during our time in Russia and Peru. (Red sweater knitted by my aunt, Mila).

In Russia

In Peru

In Peru

In Peru

I’ve always looked up to my mom. I wore a leather jacket she made and even tried to create my own curtain dress

In Sweden

In Russia

I can confidently say that my mother’s artistic influence, combined with the unique cultures of my childhood in Russia, Peru, and Sweden, has shaped me and my creative path.

My aunt is also incredibly talented. She has created and continues to create many beautiful garments and accessories that showcase her skill and creativity. Over time, I look forward to sharing not only my mother’s and aunt’s amazing work but also my own creations here on this blog. It feels special to gradually reveal our family’s creative journey through the pieces we’ve made.