Interview & Photos: Sofi Sivinova.
How long have you been in the fashion business?
All my life! I don’t even remember when I started.
You are known for your boutique in Wiesbaden’s old town. Where did you live before that?
At first I had two shops in Baden-Baden. But I wanted to be successful internationally, so I went to America.
To America? where there? And what were you doing there?
I wanted to open a fashion store in Dallas, Texas. When I was on the plane I met a nice man, he was a public relations manager. I spoke to him on the flight and told him that I want to open my own business. And then he said that I can’t do it alone.
And your flight acquaintance then became your business partner?
When I was at the hotel that night, another man called me and said he would help me, and he did. We quickly became friends. From that point on, I had my greatest successes. I’ve done fashion shows and been in the newspapers, I’ve given styling seminars and even been on the covers of magazines. Working internationally has been great and I continue to have clients from America.
Would you say you’ve lived the American Dream?
Partially! However, I had to keep renewing my visa because I didn’t have citizenship. Of course, not everything always worked.
Can you tell us your age?
I am the woman without age!
And you are a striking woman. How did you find your unusual personal style?
I’ve always been a freak. That’s innate. I went to America with my two dogs, and when I went for a walk in the woods with them, I always wore high heels.
Do you often get asked about your style?
In fact, I often get compliments from young people on the street.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
Oh, that’s very quick, jerkily. I have my hair treatment, my black blouses, over which I usually put a cool shirt or jacket. I don’t really need more than twenty minutes in the morning.
