Fashion Designer Lyudmila Tarakanova: A Journey of Strength and Style

Lyudmila Tarakanova, a renowned Belarusian fashion designer, has made significant strides in the fashion industry. Her journey is marked by participation in numerous fashion weeks, exhibitions in Paris and Dusseldorf, and victories in prestigious competitions like the “White Amphora” in Vitebsk. Tarakanova has mentored a generation of young designers who are now making waves globally. She operates under the brand TARAKANOVA, teaches design and fashion at Vitebsk State Technological University, and has over 50 collections of men’s clothing to her credit. In an interview with “City of Women” magazine, Tarakanova shared insights into her vibrant and fulfilling life, discussing pivotal meetings, aspirations, and her creative process.

Family and Career Choices

From a young age, Tarakanova knew she wanted to be an artist. She recalls writing an essay in first grade about her dream to become a painter. Her home was filled with art encyclopedias, and she spent hours poring over books and postcards from the Hermitage Museum. She attributes her aesthetic sensibilities to her father, a commander in the navy, who had a keen eye for art and harmony. Her mother, a seamstress, inspired her sewing skills and resilience.

Golden Student Years and a Lesson from Yves Saint Laurent

Tarakanova graduated with honors from the Ryazan Art School in 1984 and later studied at the Moscow Textile Institute. Her journey to Moscow was sparked by her father’s encouragement to be independent. At 19, she began a golden period in her life, marked by seeing Yves Saint Laurent’s exhibition in Moscow in 1986. This experience left a lasting impression on her, showcasing a level of mastery she had never seen before. Her first collection, a collaboration with students from the Amsterdam Fashion Academy, was a hit, with her sketches being highly sought after.

Navigating the Challenging 90s

After graduation, Tarakanova was assigned to Vitebsk State Technological University. There, she found her calling in teaching and mentoring students. Despite the economic hardships of the 90s, she found solace in her work, taking pride in her students’ achievements worldwide. One of her notable students, Sergey Melekh, is now a prominent figure in the fashion industry.

Mentors and Idols

Tarakanova credits her love for modeling to her mentor, Ekaterina Alexandrovna Yanchevskaya. She also holds Vya
cheslav Zaitsev in high regard, considering him a titan in Soviet fashion. Among her international idols are Yves Saint Laurent, Elsa Schiaparelli, Rei Kawakubo, Vivienne Westwood, and John Galliano, each admired for their unique contributions to fashion.

The Road to “White Amphora”

The “White Amphora” competition, initiated in 1995, was a significant event in the post-Soviet fashion world. Tarakanova participated from the beginning, debuting with the collection “Needle and Pin” and later with a collection inspired by Gauguin. Her persistence paid off in 2006 when she won the Grand Prix. This victory, along with other accolades like “Most Stylish Designer of Belarus” and “Best Fashion Designer of Belarus,” marks significant milestones in her career.

An Unusual Collection and Diaghilev

Her latest collection, “Antreprise” for the spring-summer 2022 season, is dedicated to Sergei Diaghilev, a renowned impresario. Diaghilev, the founder of the Paris Seasons, brought Russian opera and ballet to Europe, collaborating with legends like Benois, Bakst, Matisse, Picasso, and Stravinsky. Tarakanova’s collection is a tribute to these creative leaders, with each piece reflecting their unique styles.

For more information on Lyudmila Tarakanova and her work, visit her official website here.