Meet Roma Sharuk - Fantasy Weaver

Sharuk APPAREL is a young luxury brand founded by its namesake designer Roma Sharuk, a former fashion model and a third-generation patternmaker. Sharuk’s pieces are edgy and head-turning, yet each creation is manufactured with a traditional focus on the best materials and fabrics.

What's your name?

Roma Sharuk.

 

Where are you from?

St. Petersburg.

 

Describe your signature design style in five words.

Glamour, grunge, ruffian, classical, deconstructive.

 

What's your biggest source of inspiration?

Art and nature.

 

Do you think true innovation in fashion is still possible?

Of course, yes! I think that in our world of emerging technology, the possibilities are endless! Tomorrow, we might invent a new smart-fabric, never seen before. Who knows!

 

What role does the commercial aspect play for you? Does it limit your creativity?

As a designer, sales are important. It's essentially feedback from the people who buy my designs. This by no means limits my imagination, but it helps me understand what people need and like.

 

What other art forms inspire your collections?

I am inspired by ecology. In each of my collections, I try to design at least one thing that will help save the planet from pollution. This item might be created from residual tissue or recycled grafts.

 

 

Do you prefer to follow or subvert trends?

I usually try to stay separate from the trends - when an idea pops into my head, I listen to my inner self above all. The universe usually confirms that I'm moving in the right direction.

 

Do you thrive off of spontaneity or careful planning?

Usually, I'll draw out a long plan, which after some time develops into a collection, but funnily enough, in the last moments (usually the day before the show), everything might need to change suddenly - so expect the unexpected!

 

How do you deal with creative blocks?

I'll begin to twirl the first thing I can find in the air, imagining what will happen if certain parts of it turn in certain ways. Then, when I find a new perspective of viewing the form, I'll put it in my design.

 

Are you a romantic person?

My name is Roma, that should say a lot! ;)

 

Which fashion designer(s) do you have the most respect for?

These days, I would say Alber Elbaz of Lanvin.

 

Are your designs connected with or inspired by your heritage?

Yes! I am a fourth generation designer, so for me, it is very important! My family supports me completely. 

 

Did you undergo a formal design education?

I did my education in fashion design - I'm actually finishing up my Masters now.

 

 

Do you think collaborations between companies and designers are cash plays or real attempts at innovation?

I think either way, it's usually a good experience for the designer! These collaborations have great commercial outcomes for both parties.  

 

What first made you passionate about fashion?

I was 4 years old when I became interested in fashion - my mother worked as a designer and often took me with her to work.

 

Once you’ve mastered a certain style, is it difficult to continue evolving it?

I just try to follow my instincts and it usually turns out fine!

 

If you had to invent a new color, what would it look like and what would you call it?

I would have come up with a new black. At the moment, for me this color is blue-calcite.

 

Do you work better alone or on a team?

Working alone, but also learning how to lead a team!

 

Do you have any rituals when starting a new design?

Make sure I get a lot of rest!

 

What is your favorite thing to do outside of fashion?

Most of my time is spent on fashion, but in my spare time, I study and walk.

 

 

 

What is your favorite food?

I love sweets, especially marmalade!

 

What's your favorite month or season?

Definitely summer in St. Petersburg - the white nights are so beautiful.  

 

If you could collaborate with anyone in the world on a new collection, who would it be?

I think it would be the fashion designer Angel Chen!

 

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I think about what I need to do that day.

 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Make everything beautiful! Beauty will save the world :)

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Check out Roma Sharuk's new collections here