INRTU Graduates Shine at the International Ethnopodium Festival
Graduation collections by INRTU students Maria Korzennikova, Diana Naktorminova, Aruuke Ibraimova and Sofya Perevoznikova were presented at the “Ethnopodium on Baikal. Fashion Angara” international festival. The projects were supervised by Marina Dagdanova, Associate Professor of the Department of Monumental and Decorative Painting and Design named after V.G. Smagin.
The festival took place in Irkutsk from June 18 to 26. Well-known designers from Russia and neighboring countries showcased their work at the gala fashion show. The program also included a competition featuring collections by beginning designers.
The collections were commissioned by the Irkutsk Sewing Cafe, with participation in the international Ethnopodium festival as part of the project.
Graduate Maria Korzennikova created an avant-garde collection called “The Shaman's Path”, inspired by the cultures of Siberia's indigenous peoples. Using different materials and complex techniques, she created four looks, including one based on the image of the World Tree. The collection shows her ability to develop original ideas and turn them into fashion designs.
“My first visit to Ethnopodium exceeded my expectations. The festival gave me a lot of inspiration. The professional collections were very well made and featured many interesting details. I was especially impressed by the variety of decorations and accessories.
Watching the work of experienced designers helped me understand how much time and effort goes into creating such collections. It also showed me how much I still need to learn and practice before I can present my work at the same professional level,”
said Maria.
Beginning designer Diana Naktorminova chose a sports-chic style for her collection “Embraced by Form”. She combined traditional motifs with modern fashion and created bold, unusual designs. The collection mixes sporty elements with modern trends while keeping its own style.
Inspired by her Turkic roots, Aruuke Ibraimova created an elegant collection called “The Image of the Goddess Umay”. It features luxurious fabrics such as brocade and silk, along with decorative rope patterns inspired by traditional ornaments.
Sofya Perevoznikova drew inspiration from traditional Buryat clothing for her collection “Nomads of Time”. She focused on detailed applique work, combining a modern look with the feel of traditional patterns.
According to Marina Dagdanova, the students showed strong professional skills and successfully brought their ideas to life. They combined traditional influences with modern fashion and achieved success not only at Ethnopodium but also at Irkutsk's Youth Day celebration on June 27.
