As with any kind of soulmates they are not abundant. And when they arrive, they always do it on time. When it comes to work, finding out about other fashion designers sharing such an specific and universal vision it’s always a bliss in the heart whispering ‘we are not alone’. As Busra Erkara wrote for UI Culture Magazine this week: ‘New York-based visual artist Maria Kazakova and her brand JAHNKOY’s mood board is an explosion of saturated colors, empowering quotes, and universal references. Her wide ranging influences are visible on the pages of her sketchbook and her intricately crafted soulful collections willing to dress a Royal Tribe. In her designs, tribal patterns from West Africa meet small silver bells from the steppes of Central Asia, and power slogans find themselves scribbled around Sitting Bull, as well as embroidered on heavy canvas in carefree handwriting.
Originally from Siberia, the artist found out about John Galliano’s work at a young age, and dreamt of going to Central Saint Martins until she was accepted to the acclaimed art and design institute’s BA program for menswear design in 2014. Currently she has just enrolled a Master at Parsons School of Design in NY.’
“My work is the reflection of what I experienced, of what I love, what I have chosen to be surrounded with, what I find meaningful, what I believe in, and what I find worth fighting for.” ~ Jahnkoy.
The name of her label–and her now adapted last name, Jahnkoy, came during a three and a half day train trip from Siberia to Crimea. “ I heard the name of the next stop DZHANKOY, and I just knew that was it!” she says. “The word means ‘spirit-village’, I added my own spelling to it, and it stayed with me ever since. It goes perfectly with what I stand for and with the future that I see for my practice.”
Having launched only one capsule collection to date, Jahnkoy is currently working on “The Displaced”, her MFA graduate collection, which she will show the upcoming September 2016.
