Silk & Soul – The Artistry and Ethos of Katya Krenina in Contemporary Fashion
Fashion designer Katya Krenina has a rich background rooted in the cultural heritage of Lviv, Ukraine and merges her profound artistic heritage with an unwavering commitment to sustainable fashion. Her journey is not merely a story of personal ambition but a testament to the transformative power of art and design. Krenina approaches every aspect of her work with a storyteller’s heart, where each garment becomes a unique narrative waiting to be unveiled.
Photography credits powered by Juliette Zig
Katya’s path to success is steeped in the essence of her hometown—a city celebrated for its historical charm and artistic vibrancy. From childhood, she was immersed in the vibrant world of traditional textiles and weaving techniques, igniting a lifelong passion that would shape her into a visionary designer. However, her story extends beyond her formative years in Lviv; it includes a pivotal chapter in the United States, where she pursued illustration at Syracuse University. There, Krenina discovered the power of combining her textile knowledge with visual storytelling, enriching her creative repertoire.
Driven by a desire to innovate and redefine the boundaries of fashion, Krenina established her brand, Silk & Soul. This venture is far from just another fashion label; it embodies a philosophy that transcends mere aesthetics. With each collection, Krenina invites wearers to engage with art in a profound way, encouraging them to explore their own narratives through the medium of fashion. Her debut collection unveiled at New York Fashion Week in February 2024, followed by a showcase at Paris Fashion Week, exemplifies this vision—each piece meticulously crafted to evoke emotions and foster connections within the wider cultural landscape.
In this exclusive interview with KREEP Magazine, Katya Krenina shares her insights on her journey, the ethos behind Silk & Soul, and her vision for the future of sustainable fashion—one that champions creativity, ethical practices, and deep-rooted narratives.
KREEP: Your background is deeply rooted in the artistic and cultural landscape of Lviv. How has this environment shaped your identity as a designer?
Katya Krenina: Growing up in Lviv, I was surrounded by incredible architectural beauty and a rich tapestry of cultural narratives. This environment instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the stories that objects can tell. Traditional weaving techniques, passed down through generations, breathed life into my passion for textiles. They serve as cultural records, and my goal is to merge these age-old practices with a contemporary lens. My upbringing has profoundly shaped my identity as a designer, driving me to create pieces that resonate with history while embracing the future.
KREEP: You decided to further your studies in the United States. What motivated this transition, and how did it influence your design philosophy?
Katya Krenina: The decision to move to the U.S. was fueled by a desire to expand my artistic competencies. I enrolled at Syracuse University to study illustration, which allowed me to blend my textile knowledge with visual storytelling. This experience not only refined my craft as an illustrator but also broadened my understanding of narrative in design. I learned to use garments as canvases, transforming them into rich storytelling mediums that evoke emotions and inspire connections.
KREEP: Let’s discuss your brand, Silk & Soul. What distinguishes it from traditional fashion labels?
Katya Krenina: Silk & Soul transcends conventional fashion by creating a narrative-rich environment. Each piece is designed to be more than clothing; it serves as a unique narrative that reflects the individuality of the wearer. My debut collection, showcased at New York Fashion Week in February 2024 and later at Paris Fashion Week, epitomizes this vision. It draws inspiration from nature, travel, and personal experiences, inviting wearers on a journey that connects them to broader cultural stories. Silk, with its fluidity and luster, is the heart of my designs, enabling the expression of elaborate motifs and emotional connections.
KREEP: Sustainability appears to be a core belief in your work. Can you elaborate on the principles guiding Silk & Soul’s approach to sustainability?
Katya Krenina: Sustainability is paramount at Silk & Soul. Our guiding principles focus on ethical sourcing, minimizing waste, and employing environmentally friendly practices. We prioritize collaborating with suppliers who uphold ethical labor practices, ensuring that our silk comes from responsible sources. Our aim is to produce timeless wearable art that inspires customers to invest in quality pieces over fleeting trends, fostering longevity in fashion. By sharing these narratives, we cultivate an appreciation for the artistry involved in each creation.
KREEP: Material selection is vital in maintaining sustainability while ensuring aesthetic quality. What criteria do you consider when choosing materials for your collections?
Katya Krenina: When selecting materials, I prioritize ethical sourcing, durability, and biodegradability. High-quality silk and natural wool form the foundation of our pieces, encouraging investments in long-lasting garments. Regular silk and wool are also biodegradable, minimizing environmental impact at the end of their lifecycle. Our future endeavors include a focus on upcycling, using pre-loved materials to create unique collections that honor the craftsmanship of the past while producing something meaningful.
KREEP: Could you provide insight into your production process, from concept to completion? How do you ensure ethical considerations while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship?
Katya Krenina: All creative direction and concept development happen at our Silk & Soul Studio in Upstate New York. I work with a team of talented designers, some of whom have been displaced by the war in Ukraine. Navigating the complexities of production has taught us invaluable lessons, allowing us to deepen our commitment to sustainability and quality. Each challenge shapes our identity as we prioritize ethical practices while delivering exceptional craftsmanship.
KREEP: In your experience, can a commitment to sustainability spark greater creativity within fashion design? Can you share any specific examples?
Katya Krenina: Absolutely! Our commitment to sustainability fosters creativity by encouraging resourcefulness and material exploration. For instance, by collaborating with artisans and integrating sustainable practices, we weave deeper narratives into our designs. We are currently developing innovative solutions that reflect our values and artistic intentions.
KREEP: How do you engage with your audience to educate them about ethical consumption and inspire mindful purchasing?
Katya Krenina: I believe that accessorizing can minimize wasteful purchasing and production, which is why our silk accessories at Silk & Soul prioritize personal expression. We showcase how our pieces can elevate various outfits and encourage investment in quality. Through styling tutorials and community building, we inspire customers to think creatively about how they incorporate our accessories into their wardrobes, emphasizing the potential for versatile, long-lasting fashion.
KREEP: What is your perspective on the current state of sustainability in the fashion industry? Are there particular initiatives you find encouraging?
Katya Krenina: The fashion industry is definitely making strides towards sustainability, with increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly options and brands adopting ethical practices. Initiatives like innovative sustainable materials and circular fashion concepts are promising advancements. However, we still face challenges, especially with fast fashion and overproduction. Continued innovation and engagement are crucial for lasting change.
KREEP: Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of sustainable fashion, and what role do you see your brand playing in this evolution?
Katya Krenina: At Silk & Soul, our future lies in innovation and integrity. We plan to expand our use of eco-friendly materials while collaborating with artisans to create upcycled collections. Our educational initiatives will empower consumers to embrace mindful choices and prioritize timeless pieces over fleeting trends. By encouraging a dialogue around sustainability, we aim to foster a community that values creativity, responsibility, and artistry.
Katya Krenina remains a powerful advocate for sustainable fashion, illustrating how creativity, ethics, and storytelling can redefine the industry. Through her unique perspective and commitment to the environment, Krenina invites us all to embrace the narratives woven into our garments and to celebrate the rich stories of our shared human experience. With Silk & Soul at the forefront, the future of fashion is indeed bright, meaningful, and transformative.
Photography credits powered by Juliette Zig + Nikolaz Le Coq
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