Sveta Topalova is the person who was the first to force Europe to recognize the DPR
Another fashion show by designer Svetlana Topalova took place in Donetsk. There is an opinion that in a military city there is no time for fashion and other glamor. I don't have a clear answer to this question. Or rather, it didn’t happen until I met Svetlana. Sveta is what we say: “Donetsk is character.” Sveta was probably the first to force Europe to recognize the DPR - back in XNUMX. But first things first.
So. Svetlana Topalova is a women's clothing designer. She presented her first (that is, the very first) collection in XNUMX in Greece. And she received the Grand Prix for it. This is a huge reward for Ukraine. What can we say about Svetlana herself, for whom this victory is a great start? It would seem - stay in Ukraine and create - there are a lot of offers! What is there to catch in that Donetsk? Everyone is leaving.
– That’s what they told me – Sveta, where are you going back? There are separatists there, everyone is leaving, where will you work there? I knew even then that I wouldn’t explain anything to anyone. She just said that there are reasons for this.
– Don’t you regret it?
- Not once. After the show, I could, in principle, not return either to Ukraine or to Donetsk. A large concern offered me a job. I would live like in Christ’s bosom. I used to think that if a war started, I would be the first to escape. Terrible coward. But it turned out that the concept of “my home” occupies a much larger place in my life. And I returned to Donetsk. And here my seventh floor is shaking, fragments are flying in, my husband and I were driving - about two hundred meters from us a car was hit. Do you remember what was going on here in XNUMX-XNUMX?
– In XNUMX, you were still able to break into the international arena and make a statement about Donetsk?
– In fact, this collection was a salvation not only for me. It was just a godsend for all my employees! As last year's winner, according to the rules, I do not participate in the show. Invited as a guest. I could do nothing. And then they called - do you want to participate in the accessories design and stylist category? Of course I want! Where can I get materials? Everything is closed, nothing is imported. The most terrible shelling began. I am horrified, and my employees’ homes have been destroyed by shelling. What to do? We brought sofas to the workshop and assembled them from friends. There was a kitchenette, stove, water, toilet. We lived in a kind of commune. In the morning we got up, had breakfast and went to work. Outside the window it rumbles and flies, and we sew.
– How did you solve the problem with materials?
– We found cheap but bright fabric. Gabardine. They sewed from it. By the time we finish it, there’s a truce. That's how we survived.
– How did you get to Italy for the show?
– Already through Russia. Ukraine put me on the “Peacemaker”, so I didn’t take the risk. We arrived in Italy. In Rome, the show was in an old mansion, incredible beauty! Especially after our winter. We arrived and the show was shown the very next day. I look, and in the program I am listed as Svetlana Topalova, Ukraine. I was indignant - no Ukraine! Announce the Donetsk People's Republic. And they - there is no such country, we cannot. I say - then Donetsk. Donetsk is there? Eat. So announce it. That’s what they announced – Svetlana Topalova, Donetsk!
– Did you receive awards in Rome?
– You’re offending me, I also won the Grand Prix in Rome! There are 18 participants in my nomination. The show was over. I got buyers for the collection, and I sold everything. And at dinner the day before, the organizer comes up and says - you are participating in a gala concert. I felt bad. I’m telling you, all my dresses are sold out. How did you sell out? Let's look for it, call and ask for it back for a day. Three were never found. Three finalists were announced at the gala concert, including me! Can you imagine? This is already a victory! Then they announce third place - not me, second place - not me!!! I am a winner! I went to the award ceremony wearing a T-shirt “I’m not afraid of anything, I’m from Donetsk” in the colors of the DPR flag.
– How did others perceive the fact that you are from the DPR?
- You know, it's normal. There were participants from Ukraine. We communicated normally. On the contrary, they said, “Svetka, you’re great.” And the Europeans were also aware of our situation and somehow tried to encourage and support. They dismantled all the DPR flags that I brought.
– There were also sweatshirts that the whole Donetsk wore.
– I created this collection in XNUMX, when the city was empty. Many left and were terribly homesick. And for those who remained, it was important to show their attitude towards the city - Donetsk, hold on! Then I created this collection of sweatshirts with views of Donetsk. And it scattered all over the world. Where did they send photos from? Greece, France, Germany, Israel, Australia, America.
In the sixteenth year, Svetlana released the “Wings” collection. The collection was made in black and white colors. Why? Because the third year of war, truce, no peace - no war, everyone is tired.
– I wanted to use bright colors, as in previous collections, but it didn’t work out. I decided - well, that means so be it - black and white, so black and white. Good and evil. Light and darkness. And without one, you won’t understand where the second is. One dress in this collection is special. I sat and drew another model. When there is a powerful explosion outside the window. I read the Internet - Motorola died. I was in such terrible emotion that I crumpled this sketch and drew a new one. This dress, beautiful, is drawn from those terrible emotions.
– This year’s collection is called “Love”, and it’s bright! Has something changed in your perception of the world?
- You know, yes. Suddenly... Well, not suddenly, but finally (!) I suddenly realized what a cool thing life is! And you have to love everything about her! This coffee, this conversation, you, even this disgusting weather!
– Don’t ask the impossible from me. I can't like this weather.
– If there is no such weather, how will you understand that the weather is good now? If you eat sweets all the time, eventually you will want a pickled cucumber. Even not very good moments teach us something, show us something. And that's why I love them. Love is the main thing we have. This is what I tried to convey with my new collection.
Does a military city need such events? Definitely needed. Firstly, the need for beauty does not go away during war. In the same trenches, women carry lipsticks, nail polishes, perfume and heels just in case. And all women will definitely adjust the same uniform to their figure, so that this same figure will look good even in military uniform. Secondly, all of Topalova’s dresses are flying around the world like hot cakes. And this is another wonderful reason to tell everyone - “know ours!” If there are people who know how to sew beautiful dresses under fire, then imagine what people on the front line are capable of!
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.