Kira Plastinina

From Russia with love 

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

Kira Plastinina, who the fashion world dubs as the 'world's youngest fashion designer,' flew into Manila recently to unveil her Spring/Summer 2010 trunk creations. Presented at an exclusive “Pink Light District” party, the collection showcased her trademark fashion-label spirit: young, confident, vibrant and passionate about being in current style. 

Kira Plastinina's apparel and accessories offer funky club wear, vintage feminine style and rock-themed ensembles. Models in smoldering, smoked eyeshadow and pale lipstick sashayed around the runway in shades of pink and violet against black: tiered skirts, checked frilly shirts, stirrup pants, bustiers, layered shifts, belted jackets, boat-neckline printed frocks, jumpsuits, and layered blousons. The success of Kira can be attributed to how her label constantly offers fresh, fun and youthful clothes and accessories that reflect what young girls would want to wear and look and feel stylish and be confident in. She has emerged as the fashion designer who intimately understands the spirit of her generation and translates them well into her clothes. 

One can expect diverse innovative looks as she fuses rich textures into her designs (like satin, cotton, silk, tulle and jersey), ably creating a tutu dress that goes well with modern-day princess chic or rock-star glam. Thus, it wasn't surprising to see jackets worn over printed tank tops and torn jeans. Or zipped-up front bubble dresses with studded belts sharing the limelight with Sabrina-collared tops 'neath boleros and miniskirts. She also creates metallic dresses and frilly, vintage-inspired cuts for party-goers as well as sequined hoodies for the laid-back looker.

These are some of her unique bestsellers that teenagers and young women can find in her stores. “My clothes are for girls and women who wanna have fun and loves to dress up.” 

Kira's meteoric rise and success in the fashion world can be traced back to her childhood days when she started designing clothes for her dolls. People who saw her designs instantly noticed how original the silhouettes were and how they reflected stylishness that would make young females look very good. 

At 14, she launched the Kira Plastinina label that quickly caught the attention of young fashionistas where her studios were located. Launched in 2007, Kira Plastinina is one of the fastest growing fashion labels in the world today. Its apparel, shoes and accessories, including bags and perfume, are distributed in over 100 stores across the globe including 66 in Russia, two in the US, a few in Ukraine as well as Kazakhstan, and two in the Philippines. This month a new style studio will open in mainland China.

New designs arrive at each style studio every fortnight. “I go to work after school hours at 3:30 in the afternoon. From 4:30 'til 8 in the evening, I work with my creative team. My design movements are inspired from the many travels I made. Also, I listen to music while working.” The reasonably-priced designer pieces cater to young women who enjoy an urban lifestyle. “These women are sociable, confident, highly mobile, pop culture-savvy, and take fashion to heart. I make designs not for a particular age bracket but to be worn with an attitude. I relate well to my clients and I think that's what makes my creations different.” 

The 17-year-old Russian maiden, who enjoys horseback riding, snowboarding and surfing, is the designer of her two namesake brands: Kira Plastinina (the mid-market label) and LUBLU K. Plastinina (the high-end line). The Philippines is the first country in Asia to open two style studios. The first one was launched in July 2009 at the 2nd level of SM Megamall Bldg. B and the second opened this month at the 3rd level of Shangri-La Plaza Mall. 

"My childhood dream was made possible by my Dad. Always be yourself and develop your own style. I love to wear high heels and never leave home without my lip gloss. Though I know my personal style, I still mix styles together and experiment.” Among those who took fancy of her clothes and have been donning her collection include Hollywood debs Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Leighton Meister, Hayden Panatierre, Audrina Patridge, Katherine McPhee, and chanteuse JoJo. Her collections has been seen in the catwalks of prestigious international fashion shows like the fashion weeks of Milan, Alta Roma Alta Moda, and in her home city Moscow. 

Kira is currently deciding in which US learning institution she would continue her education after her high school graduation at the Anglo-American School in Moscow this summer 2010. At the close of her “Pink Light District” party in the Fort Strip's The Establishment, the svelte Russian teenager and her retinue rode an air-conditioned passenger jeepney on their way to the airport en route to Moscow; loaded with 20,000 kilos of dried mangoes!. “The traffic in Moscow's the same. I'll be back soon to visit the beaches and Boracay,” she said, before entering her ride and waving farewell.