Within the fashion world, the topic of maximalism has long been one of notable discourse. Initially seen as a low-brow way at referencing art and poking fun at luxury clothing, what was previously defined by merely gaudy prints, oversized accessories, and nostalgic motifs has slowly evolved into much more. The turning point came in the mid-20th century, which saw a shift in the zeitgeist as then emerging fashion designers began to embrace kitsch elements in their own playful and ironic ways. Industry trailblazers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood each took to incorporating whimsical and exaggerated elements, marking an era in fashion that birthed the kitsch aesthetic we have all come to know and love.
Gracing the cover of the Vogue Singapore September ‘Kitsch’ issue is none other than Russian supermodel and artist Sasha Pivovarova. With an acclaimed career that has seen her walk for the biggest fashion powerhouses and countless Vogue covers to date, Pivovarova dons the latest offerings from the fall/winter 2o24 season, strong silhouettes and bold colours that exude dynamism and drama.
She is, perhaps, one of the most iconic profiles in the realm of fashion. In the early noughties, Sasha Pivovarova’s visage—marked by delicate blonde hair, razor-sharp cheekbones and an elfin pout—was everywhere. The art history student’s rise to fame was meteoric, propelled through the lens of her husband, the photographer Igor Vishnyakov. The discerning eye? Miuccia Prada’s. What followed was a remarkable streak of 19 Prada campaigns, a record unmatched by any other model. “Each experience with Prada has been inspiring and distinct, and the outcome has consistently been breathtakingly beautiful, sophisticated imagery. It’s this artistic collaboration that makes my time with the brand special,” Pivovarova shares.
The Moscow-born supermodel made a significant cultural impact following her debut, being captured by luminaries such as Paolo Roversi. Yet, for the uninitiated, Pivovarova’s artistry seamlessly intertwined with her fashion world, notably gracing Chanel runways under Karl Lagerfeld’s direction. “I would love to time travel to between 2000 and 2012. This period was incredibly interesting because it was a time when talented designers were at the forefront, crafting unique collections that defined trends,” she muses. “It was an era of genuine creativity and innovation, when fashion was driven by artistic expression.” Describing her artistic vision as being captured by whimsical doodles—a flurry of delicate and bold lines intertwining to become one—Pivovarova’s work blends beautifully with reality, creating a playful mirage that is both captivating and transcendent. In one creation, flowers sprawl across the walls around her, forming a gentle cocoon; in another, a self-portrait emerges as a life-sized ethereal being.
“My inspiration to create comes from the need for expression and reflection. For me, creating art acts as a form of meditation, allowing me to process my emotions and escape the noise of the world around me,” she explains.“As an artist, I truly enjoy the process, which allows me to engage more deeply with each project. I approach modelling as a form of expression, akin to creating art. This perspective helps me bring a unique, creative flair to my poses and interpretations of themes. I find beauty in collaboration. Right now, I’m enjoying working with clay as my primary medium. It offers me a wonderful sense of freedom to express myself.”
Editor-in-chief Desmond Lim
Photography Domen & Van De Velde
Styling Nicola Formichetti
Hair Joeri Rouffa/The WallGroup
Make-up Maki Ryoke
Manicure Mamie Onishi/SeeManagement
Photographer’s assistant Laura Berrou
Stylist’s assistant Brianna Dooley
Make-up artist’s assistant
Producer Nick Lambrakis/Photobomb Production
Production assistant Tae Weiss
Model Sasha Pivovarova/IMG
The September ‘Kitsch’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available online or at newsstands from 2 September 2024.
