TTSWTRS, the Ukrainian fashion brand founded by Anna Osmekhina in 2013, is known for its tattoo-inspired designs that meld fashion with art. The brand, which started as a creative project in Kyiv, has since grown into a globally recognized name, attracting high-profile fans like Nicki Minaj, Kourtney Kardashian, and Winnie Harlow. The brand operates its own factory and printing workshop in Kyiv, with showrooms in Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv.
In an exclusive interview with PAPER, Osmekhina discussed the inspiration behind TTSWTRS’ latest collection, “Opera,” and its unique narrative that combines art, fashion, and technology.
A Vision of the Future of Opera
The “Opera” collection takes inspiration from the future of traditional art forms, specifically opera. Osmekhina and her team imagined how opera might evolve a century from now, blending classical elegance with futuristic elements. The result is a collection that fuses the grandeur of tradition with bold, experimental designs, creating a visual story of the intersection between heritage and modernity.
“Our garments celebrate self-expression, body positivity, and the beauty of the human form,” Osmekhina explains. “We collaborate with tattoo artists and creatives to tell powerful stories, making each piece a wearable work of art. TTSWTRS represents freedom, authenticity, and individuality.”
The Story Behind “Opera”
This new collection continues TTSWTRS’ mission to tell stories through fashion. Osmekhina elaborates, “We’ve always focused on themes of body art and individuality. With ‘Opera,’ we explore the relationship between tradition and innovation. It’s about pushing boundaries and creating clothing that’s transformative, not just wearable.”
The collection examines how long-standing traditions, such as opera, might adapt and thrive in the future. Osmekhina says, “It’s about embracing change while honoring the past. The ‘Opera’ collection explores how old-world elegance can meet modern, bold design, telling the story of evolution through fashion.”
Bringing the Vision to Life
The “Opera” campaign was designed to reflect the fusion of tradition and technology. The campaign, shot in grand, theatrical locations, features futuristic elements that highlight this contrast. Every image is a part of the collection’s larger narrative, with lighting, styling, and environment all playing a role in telling the story. In a unique touch, actual dancers were brought in to collaborate, further elevating the campaign’s performance aspect.
The Creative Process
The creative direction for the “Opera” collection was inspired by the idea of theater in the future. “We combined classical aesthetics with futuristic elements, creating a blend of timeless culture and cutting-edge fashion,” Osmekhina explains. “Each piece reflects this vision, merging the past with the future.”
Ethical Fashion and Attention to Detail
Sustainability plays a significant role in the collection’s design. TTSWTRS utilized cruelty-free leather from Leathertex, an eco-friendly material that is both durable and machine-washable. “The Case Jacket, for example, has a texture similar to a musician’s well-worn instrument case, adding a personal, nostalgic touch,” Osmekhina notes.
Several subtle design details further enrich the collection’s narrative. One standout is the Orchestra Shirt, featuring a sleeve print that mimics smudged stage makeup. “It symbolizes the unseen hard work behind the scenes in theater—the tears, the effort, the stories that are not visible to the audience.” Another unique feature is the Parter Skirt, which includes a QR code linking to an original musical composition created for the collection.
Balancing Art and Function
For Osmekhina, it’s crucial that every design is not only visually compelling but also functional. “We focus on materials that are durable and easy to care for, like Leathertex and Italian cupro, but we never compromise on artistic expression,” she says. The pieces, like the Case Jacket and Base Under-Corset, exemplify this balance, offering conceptual depth while remaining wearable.
Fashion Icons and Influences
Osmekhina cites designers Martin Margiela and Jean Paul Gaultier as key influences in her work. Their boundary-pushing designs have inspired her to challenge traditional notions of fashion, blending art and wearability.
Standout Pieces
Among her favorite designs from the “Opera” collection, Osmekhina points to the shirt with Mozart cufflinks. “The smudged makeup on the sleeve, the collar—everything about this piece tells a story,” she says. Another standout is the crystallized sweat bodysuit and leggings, which, for Osmekhina, represent a powerful fusion of performance and fashion.
A Bold New Direction
The “Opera” collection marks a pivotal moment in TTSWTRS’ evolution. Osmekhina reflects, “We’ve pushed into more couture-like territory, experimenting with higher-end materia ls and craftsmanship, which made production more costly. It’s a bold step forward for the brand, signaling a move toward more refined, elevated designs.”
Through its blend of tradition and innovation, TTSWTRS continues to push boundaries, using fashion as a medium to tell compelling stories and redefine what it means to wear art.
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