Ulyana Sergeenko

Early life

Sergeenko was born into a family of linguists in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, when it was still part of the USSR.

She studied in a specialized humanitarian school in Kazakhstan and then graduated the Faculty of Philology at the St. Petersburg State University.

Being always interested in fashion Ulyana Sergeenko put her interest to a next level when she decided to collect it, since then building an eclectic collection of antique and vintage clothes and accessories ranging from the rare ancient jewelry to Soviet school uniform. Hunting for the new rarities she frequently visits flea-markets and vintage boutiques as well as bids on a major fashion auctions.

First Steps

Sergeenko became a client of Valentino, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel, and Dior. Noted for her style, she was dubbed part of the Russian Mafia by fashion bloggers alongside fellow Russians Miroslava Duma, Elena Perminova and Vika Gazinskaya. However Sergeenko grew frustrated when pieces she had collaborated with designers on showed up in their collections with no credit given to her contributions. As a result, Sergeenko launched her eponymous fashion label in 2011 in Russia.

Own Label

The Ulyana Sergeenko brand was launched in Moscow in April 2011 with a first collection designed for autumn-winter 2011-2012. After the first two collections shown in Moscow the brand has received lots of media attention as well as buyer's and client's requests from all over the world. By now the Moscow-based company produces ready-to-wear women clothes, bags, fine jewellery and headpieces. Besides the retail stock Ulyana Sergeenko brand also has an atelier where clients could order made-to-measure versions of the runway items.

Sergeenko's first couture collection was warmly received with reviewers noting that her style was a blend of Russian military, literary and fairytale influences. Her debut collection featured clingy knit tops, quilted skirts, floor-sweeping greatcoats, and enough sable to swaddle the Russian army.

One of the key principles of Ulyana's work is meticulous attention to details and quality. Lots of hand-craft - stitiching, knitting, embroidery etc. - goes into production of every item. Everything is produced in Moscow under the strict control of the designer herself. All fabrics and trimmings are bought in France, Italy or Japan and some garments have vintage details specifically picked at antique markets. Craftsmanship and technical knowledge have defined her work from the beginning. Ulyana Sergeenko collaborates with highly skilled ateliers from Russia as well as numerous craftsmen from former Soviet republics, helping them to preserve their precious knowledge in the process. Within the last five years, Ulyana has worked with around seventy different ateliers and craftsmen including lace makers from Yelets, Vologda and Krestsy.

Clients

Beyoncé appeared in one of her creations in her music video for Haunted. Singer Lady Gaga, burlesque performer Dita von Teese, socialite Kim Kardashian and model Natalia Vodianova are also clients.

Personal life

Sergeenko is divorced with Russian insurance billionaire Danil Khachaturov, general director and co-owner of Rosgosstrakh. Ulyana has 2 children: Alexander (from a previous relationship) and Vasya (a daughter, fathered by her now ex-husband, Danil Khachaturov).