Sasha Varlamov’s Alphabet: The Power of Gray
Sasha Varlamov: A Renowned Fashion Designer
Sasha Varlamov is a celebrated fashion designer and the mastermind behind the Fashion Theater Wardrobe project. His unique perspective on life and fashion is both intriguing and inspiring.
The Letter B: The Oldest Profession and the Essence of the World
According to Varlamov, the letter B represents the oldest profession and the very essence of our world. He refers to the reproductive process, one of the five natural human needs: breathing, eating, seeing, hearing, and reproducing. He argues that when others want to profit without effort, they create systems of fines and obstacles that hinder the simplest and most natural desires.
The Letter Z: The Land of Boredom
Varlamov believes that what’s happening in Belarus today is a result of boredom. He sees Belarus as the birthplace of boredom and boring people, where incredible projects and fantasies die due to this mindset. He views boredom as a guillotine to creativity, with boring officials, prohibitions, orders, and voters.
The Letter R: Reason and Rhythm
Varlamov asserts that reason always prevails. He discusses the importance of understanding our true desires and seeing through our delusions. He also talks about rhythm, which he sees as a defining aspect of life. In fashion, he believes that a slight shift in rhythm can make a design more interesting and appealing.
The Letter T: Shadow
Shadow, according to Varlamov, is what accompanies us, how others see us, and what remains after we’re gone. It’s the echo of our thoughts, actions, and existence that lingers in the minds of others.
The Letter L: Luck
Varlamov sees luck as a manifestation of divine providence. He believes that humans shouldn’t know what awaits them around the corner, and if it’s not a falling brick, it’s luck.
The Letter F: Form
Varlamov once had a project called ‘Emotions of Form’ with Lyudmila Labkova. He believes that form is something we must part with when we leave this dimension. He argues that one’s true self cannot be hidden, and pretending to be something you’re not is dishonest.
The Letter C: Color
Varlamov sees the world as gray, with light giving us the sensation of color. He loves gray, seeing it as the foundation of all colors. He rarely meets people who don’t suit gray.
The Letter Sh: Sorrel
For the letter Sh, Varlamov thinks of sorrel. He praises this plant and the soup made from it, schi, which he loves and finds very tasty and healthy.
The Letter E: Emotion
Emotion, according to Varlamov, is what turns gray into color. He believes that art should transform gray into a feast of color. He sees life as emotion and, consequently, color, while eternity is gray.
The Letter Ya: The Symbol of Modern Fashion
Varlamov sees the letter Ya as a symbol of modern fashion’s manner of presentation – hypocrisy. He criticizes the pose of hands on hips as a symbol of hypocrisy and false modesty.
Interviewed by Maria Stolyarova
Cover photo: Pavel Teplitsky
