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Your Public Transit Read o' the Day

Thursday, May 22, 2008


I'm sort of endlessly fascinated with this entertaining and well-written article by Amy Larocca in New York Magazine about Russian teen fashion queen Kira Plastinina. (I actually passed by her new Soho store, above, while in New York last week, but resisted any tiny urge to go in. Had I read this first, I might've had to out of sheer curiosity.)

The clothes aren't for me, but it certainly begs the question: If you have enough money, can anyone build themselves into a brand-name? And, will customers – especially U.S. customers -- buy into it? Guess only time will tell…

8 comments :

Rina said...

I went on Saturday, and it was half empty... just some random tourists who had wandered in. I think that it's definitely catering to a pre-teen crowd...

pretty said...

Very interesting article.

I do doubt if it makes very much profit at all (although I could be wrong, I don't know too much about Russian style, which is where most of the branches are) but it probably doesn't matter with all the money she seems to make.

Doesn't anyone else find her surname a little funny?!

Niche said...

i read about her ages ago in a more serious magazine about the rise of russia...and from what i read, her father isn't someone who makes an investment for fun. Apparently, they are very serious about this business (I personally think she is used to market the brand rather than actually designing each single piece, creating a sample, running a business etc).

And it is a hit in Russia which is why they decided to come to America since this is the land of Sweet 16th birthday show, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Hence a large market of young teen and pre-teen girls who obviously spend money and not always in the best places.

And regarding the actual clothes, some of it looks cute online but I probably wouldn't buy stuff there because I would feel too old and I'm only 23.

Marissa said...

Yes! Plastinina! That article was hilarious! I can't help but assume Larocca had a hard time choosing which ridiculous quotes and aspects of this story to use. My favorite parts:

"Plastinin decided that his role in the new Russia would be to bring this genius concentrate to the people."

"The most recent collection featured the 'more edgier side of Kira,' she says, explaining that she’d been listening to Blink-182 a lot."

"'She expertly tailored the vest,' says Rod. 'It’s masculine and feminine, so you’re like, Oh my God, wow.' He gestures to the seam. 'I mean, where else are you going to see something like that?'

"She has already met Audrina from The Hills, who was 'very sweet.'"

Oh, I miss Moscow...

Always In Style said...

LOL Marissa - I agree, great article, just so many gems to choose from.

I must admit I am mildly curious to check the place out now.

queengilda said...

i read that article a couple of weeks ago in the new york magazine too. i was a little flabbergasted.

but as a fashion designer myself, i cursed her a little because she has a father who is rich beyond rich, who will fund her every whim. well that's a little mean, but yes i wish i had that kind of opportunity too. alas. :)

well america loves stories about rich princesses, heirs and socialites. maybe she'll catch on. i mean, a shop in soho!!!! i can only dream about it.

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