We first heard of Ukrainian-born Elena Vasilevsky last season, but we just recently caught the Elena V bug.

We think it was this ensemble that caught our eye, a plum leather vest with what we thought were waxed wool pants. (We’ve recently become a fan of waxed jeans by DSquared2, so it’s possible our obsession had been primed.)

What we didn’t realize was that the pants aren’t waxed at all.

Says Elena:

“These pants are actually made of metallic wool. They’re regular length pants with a zipper in the back hem, which makes them able to adjust and be rolled up into a capri look, which is really cool to wear with boots.”

Cool indeed.

Next we asked Elena how she became a designer.

“I graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Ever since I was a child I loved fashion and creating it.

“But when I graduated and started working in the New York fashion industry, I got completely turned off because it seemed all they really wanted was for people to take European designs and create cheaper versions.

“I basically never thought of creating my own label. I had twins very young, so I just walked away from the industry for years.

“But three or four years ago I started taking Latin dance classes and got totally into it, even competing and performing very successfully. I also started to make my own costumes and dance dresses, which got tremendous attention. Suddenly all the top dancers and performers were asking me to make clothes for them, which I did. I loved it! I created my website and that’s how I got to this place.

“In June 2011 I was contacted by NJ Fashion Week and Coca Cola to participate in a national Vitaminwater Fashion Runway Competition, sort of like Project Runway. I designed and made six gowns using the yellow ‘energy’ flavour of Vitaminwater. I won best designer. This victory gave me a huge amount of publicity, and led me to launch my own label Elena V in September 2011.

“That’s my crazy story : ).”

Catch her at New York Fashion Week

Elena V’s Ready-To-Wear Collection, Fall / Winter 2013-2014, will be presented in a private runway show at the Ukrainian Museum during New York Fashion Week, on February 8, 2013 at 7 pm.

A celebration of carefree spirit, living in the moment and recapturing innocence, the collection is a playful fusion of colors and textures, defined by refined craftsmanship and epic design.

Menswear-inspired fabrics, layered with sheer organza and lace, come together to create feminine, easy-to-wear mix-and-match separates. With a collection inspired by Ukrainian culture, rituals of Ivan Kupala and Byzantine Iconoclasm, it communicates a combination of spiritual beauty and individual expression.

For the evening, the collection features luxurious brocades, and delicate and feminine chiffon prints in effortless-cut silhouettes. Sensual shapes, layering and cutouts with creative finishing complete the collection.

 About Elena Vasilevsky

Elena Vasilevsky, designer and founder of Elena V USA, was born in Ukraine and raised in New York. The essence of the Elena V brand is diverse multitude of artistic and cultural influences with an innovative approach. Elena V Collection is conceptually designed for the busy urban professional living a versatile city life. Elena Vasilevsky is the Winner of “Best Designer” at the National Vitaminwater Fashion Contest.

www.elenavdesigns.com | Twitter | Facebook

For inquiries and press credentials, contact: pr@elenavdesigns.com

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