local design
KANSAS CITY DESIGNER Nataliya Lucia Meyer
VKC: Why/when did you start designing? Nataliya: I have been drawing
designs as long as I can remember. When I was little, instead of watch- ing television my mother would give me a pencil and paper—so I drew,
all the time. I started using a sewing machine when I was 8 years old, making things and altering clothes to get a different fit or look. My first fashion show was the West 18th Street Fashion Show in 2009. After that I could say Nataliya: I earned my degree in fashion de- sign, pattern making, and tailoring way back in Ukraine. After that, I perfected my craft, work- ing under various master tailors and doing lots of research. VKC: Where has designing taken you (geo- graphically and in terms of success)? Nataliya: The most important thing about de- signing is that it makes me very happy. It’s hard work, and I work long hours, but I am so very happy doing it. The community in Kansas City has been very welcoming of my new business, Lucia’s Sarto, west of The Plaza. I looked at lots of locations, but the space at 4808 Bellview Avenue ended up being perfect for me. The services I offer at the shop vary from high-end design all the way through tailoring and dry cleaning service. VKC: What inspires you? Nataliya: I am truly inspired by everything. I have hundreds of designs constantly rotating in my mind; they're just waiting to be born. VKC: What is recognizable about the Lucia's Sarto label? Nataliya: My label is known for its intrica- cies of work and complicated designs. I love details and anything that takes hours of work beading, it brings so much light to the cloth- ing. I also enjoy mixing texture; my bead work may consist of something really shiny and something really dull. I love big impres- out loud that I am a fashion designer. VKC: What is your design history?
VKC: Why Kansas City? Nataliya: My dad brought me to Kansas City about 14 years ago. I love how enriched the city is with various art programs and amazing human beings. Kansas City has a unique market and I think fate placed me here perfectly. I met my wonderful husband here and it's a wonderful place to raise a child. I've traveled lots of places, but Kansas City is my home, I can feel it.
sive things—almost theatrical—which is why I've chosen this fall’s Kansas City Fashion Week collection to be bridal. This season you will see big gowns, lots of illusion mesh and lace. I’ve always felt the human body was beautiful, so I add lots of body-conscious details. I love reading the human behind the clothes and making clothing an extension of their character.
VintageKC << Fashion 2016 38
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