Givenchy and Hepburn, Saint Laurent and de la Falaise... the relationship between designer and muse has been integral to fashion history. Our favorite contemporary designers and their influences are no exception. This season, we asked designers to photograph the people, places, or objects that inspired their Fall/Winter 2012 collections. From batmobiles in Paris to the best skate spots in Moscow, they did not disappoint. Check out what else they came up with in our new series, "Under the Influence."
Gosha Rubchinsky’s cult clothing line has garnered attention not simply because of his Cyrillic-printed graphic tees but also the distinct culture that surrounds the brand. Via a series of videos and images, Gosha, a designer, photographer, and videographer, shares his perspective of Russian street culture and the skate kids that tear it apart. Gosha introduced us to one of his skater-boy muses, Pavel, below.
Who is your muse? They are the the people who surround me—my friends, both new and old. For this story I shot Pavel. He is a 16-year-old skater.
When was the first time you met? A few weeks ago. I was waiting for the Subway in Moscow. The first person I saw when the train doors opened was Pavel.
How does Pavel influence you? Spending time with my teenage friends helps blend their ideas with mine. I like the energy of new things and people.
What’s the relationship between designer and muse? We have fun together.
Does your inspiration change from season to season? The people and inspirations can be different but I will always be me. I recently met a new group of guys who I like and they will be a part of my next project.
What is your favorite thing to do with your muses? I like to take their portraits. It helps me to understand them.
Have you and Pavel ever worked collaboratively? We worked together on the TRANSFIGURATION video. Some of my other friends made the soundtrack.
Does he have a secret talent? Pavel is currently working on a skate video.
Do you have any secret talents? Yes, which you will hopefully see soon!
Where did you shoot these photos? We shot this in Krylatskoe, an area northwest of Moscow. This is where Pavel lives and skates. I chose this place because it is comfortable for him and has a special spirit.
In another life, my muse was: I live here and I like the moment of now.
Shop all Gosha Rubchinsky here | View all "Under the Influence" stories here![]()
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Gosha Rubchinsky’s cult clothing line has garnered attention not simply because of his Cyrillic-printed graphic tees but also the distinct culture that surrounds the brand. Via a series of videos and images, Gosha, a designer, photographer, and videographer, shares his perspective of Russian street culture and the skate kids that tear it apart. Gosha introduced us to one of his skater-boy muses, Pavel, below.
Who is your muse? They are the the people who surround me—my friends, both new and old. For this story I shot Pavel. He is a 16-year-old skater.
When was the first time you met? A few weeks ago. I was waiting for the Subway in Moscow. The first person I saw when the train doors opened was Pavel.
How does Pavel influence you? Spending time with my teenage friends helps blend their ideas with mine. I like the energy of new things and people.
What’s the relationship between designer and muse? We have fun together.
Does your inspiration change from season to season? The people and inspirations can be different but I will always be me. I recently met a new group of guys who I like and they will be a part of my next project.
What is your favorite thing to do with your muses? I like to take their portraits. It helps me to understand them.
Have you and Pavel ever worked collaboratively? We worked together on the TRANSFIGURATION video. Some of my other friends made the soundtrack.
Does he have a secret talent? Pavel is currently working on a skate video.
Do you have any secret talents? Yes, which you will hopefully see soon!
Where did you shoot these photos? We shot this in Krylatskoe, an area northwest of Moscow. This is where Pavel lives and skates. I chose this place because it is comfortable for him and has a special spirit.
In another life, my muse was: I live here and I like the moment of now.
Shop all Gosha Rubchinsky here | View all "Under the Influence" stories here
