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LILIA LITKOVSKA
Fashion Designer
Driven by her passion for creating garments that reflect both her Ukrainian roots and cosmopolitan ideals, Lilia was inspired to found LITKOVSKA. As a participating brand at Paris Fashion Week in 2017, the brand has since gained international recognition. Lilia views fashion as a powerful medium for conveying deeper meanings, and today, LITKOVSKA is celebrated for its commitment to cultural dialogue and its signature collections that tell stories beyond fashion.
Contributor: Adam Katz Sinding
Published December 2024
Q&A
We see you now as a designer and founder of a fashion brand, but can you take us back to how you got your start in fashion?
My career started in Kyiv, where I established LITKOVSKA – but long before that, I've always been charmed by the world of tailoring and fashion. Four generations of my ancestors were related to this craft in one way or another, and I've always seen it as some form of magic. From the very beginning, I was committed to creating clothing that told a story – pieces that represented more than just trends, but personal and cultural narratives. It’s been a journey of constant learning and evolution.
I love that you mentioned constant learning—it's such an essential part of growth in this industry. I'm curious, what has your journey taught you about yourself?
My career has taught me resilience. Fashion is a demanding industry, but it has also shown me that creativity can thrive in the most difficult of times. I've learned that the power of community and staying true to one’s values are more important than any trend or external validation. It has also deepened my understanding of balance and how to harmonize between keeping up and staying myself.
Can you expand on that balance? How do you meet industry demand while also staying yourself and maintaining your brand authenticity? Do those two things overlap for you?
They do overlap. I believe authenticity is what creates demand. At LITKOVSKA, we’ve never been swayed by fleeting trends. Our designs come from a deeply personal place, and I think they resonate with people. The industry will always push for newness and speed, but we focus on slow fashion, timeless pieces, and meaningful designs. Authenticity is the core of our brand, and it’s what sets us apart. there.
Jeramiah Irwin, @jerairwin
The Jersey City–based designer attended Afropunk for the first time last year, and the festival’s accepting ethos made him come back again this year. “I love festivals in general, but this one to me is so different. Everyone is so friendly. There’s no judgment,” he says. “It’s really true what they say—the no sexism, no homophobia here.” And given the opportunity to fully express himself, Jeremiah chose a denim corset and ripped jeans that were inspired by the pop-country music he’s been listening to. Says Irwin, “I was going to wear a cowboy hat, but I’m saving that for later.”
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Q&A
It’s clear that authenticity and timeless design are central to your approach. With consumers becoming more thoughtful about their purchases, what shifts do you anticipate in the industry in the next few years?
One major shift I see is the growing demand for sustainability. Consumers are becoming more conscious of what they buy and how it’s made. I’m also seeing a shift toward valuing craftsmanship and pieces with a story, as people move away from fast fashion. What surprised me recently was how quickly technology has integrated into the industry, from virtual showrooms to digital fashion. It’s exciting, but we need to ensure that it doesn’t overshadow the artisanal and human aspects of design.
That's an interesting point about technology and its impact on the human side of design. How do you see the intersection of technology and fashion evolving in a way that enhances rather than overshadows?
Technology has opened up new possibilities, especially in terms of showcasing collections globally and connecting with audiences in ways that were unimaginable before. Moving forward, I see technology enhancing creativity rather than replacing it—whether through innovative materials, sustainable production methods, or new ways of presenting fashion to the world.
If you could get one message out to the industry, what would it be?
Slow down and focus on your core values and identity. Fashion needs to rethink its pace and purpose. We need to shift away from fast cycles and mass production toward more thoughtful, sustainable practices that respect both the craft and the planet.
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