It was 8:00pm and the backstage of The Studio was already buzzing. Photographers, subsisting on bottles of Fiji Water and Starbucks Frappuccinos, pushed through to get their perfect pre-show shot. Models in tightly braided chignons and lethal manicures sat around and texted, while make-up artists scurried frantically to prepare them for the last show of the day.
Irina Shabayeva’s femme fatale tone for hair and makeup was clearly no coincidence. “The inspiration for the collection was Fire and Ice. I wanted to show the symbolism of these two elements,” she tells District L. She elaborates on her concept, explaining how these two natural components are strong representations of life, death and evolution.
While working on her Lincoln Center debut, Irina also launched a collaboration line with INC and has been designing her own bridal collection. When we asked how she keeps it all together, she responded, “I’m actually not sure! It’s come to the point where I have to budget my time to a tee – almost down to the minute. But we’re expanding into different markets, and that’s really exciting.”
Despite all the fervor backstage, she had a moment to gush about her different projects. “I absolutely love doing bridal. It’s a time where someone is looking to buy something truly special and creative. It’s OK to get excessive with it.”
Before we bid adieu to the accomplished young designer, she took a moment to express her excitement about making it to Lincoln Center. “This has been very, very exhilarating. Finally! This was always my dream.”
Post by Amanda LaMela
