VOLKHONSKAYA

Founder: Maria Volkonskaya

Brand DNA

Sensuality and inner strength, refinement and grace, all embodied in the most feminine wardrobe item—the corset.

Concept

Corsets are at the heart of the Volkhonskaya brand for a reason. This wardrobe element transforms the way a woman feels about herself: her posture straightens, and her walk changes. In a corset, a woman feels she can bring all her ideas and dreams to life. Maria pays special attention to fit, material quality, and craftsmanship. Each model undergoes dozens of adjustments, checks, and fittings, and is personally tested by the designer. This meticulous process means that creating each corset takes 2–3 weeks, but the result serves its owner for many years.

Brand History

Maria grew up in a creative, theatrical family, spending much of her childhood behind the scenes in theaters and film studios, expressing herself through clothing from an early age. At 16, she firmly decided to pursue a career in fashion and costume design, beginning her education in the field. Since 2015, at the age of 18, she has worked in theaters and as an assistant to designers, helping organize and run fashion shows, photoshoots, and international fashion exhibitions. She has created looks for Fashion Weeks in Milan, Paris, Moscow, and Yekaterinburg. After gaining experience, skills, and confidence, Maria fulfilled her childhood dream during the 2020 quarantine by creating her own brand.

Blitz

What inspires you?
Wearing a corset and heels, putting on lipstick, and going to a live music concert. I get lost in the birth of new ideas, which I believe in deeply. Music plays a huge role in my life—it’s both support and inspiration
Best time for creativity?
Night, when the city quiets down. There’s no rush, and I can immerse myself in creation. I can work through the night, often until 3–4 a.m. This is the most productive time
Brand item you would wear non-stop?
The corset, which is the brand’s hallmark. I wear it year-round and have about 12–15 different models and colors in my wardrobe. Quality is paramount to me, and I emphasize it, which is why our pieces can be worn for years
Favorite/least favorite part of the fashion process?
My favorite part is the birth of a new idea that takes up a lot of space in your mind and drives you. It’s an incredible feeling to come up with something you fall in love with. I also adore photoshoots, though the preparation process can be very challenging. My least favorite part is the routine, the mechanical actions without a creative component. But even in those cases, I try to cheer myself up and stay inspired—by wearing heels, a dress, and working in that outfit in the workshop. I believe this fills our pieces with creative energy
The hardest part of creating a new collection?
When an unusual idea arises, new technologies, developments, and experiences that you don’t yet have are needed to bring it to life. It can be tough to go through this process, but it’s very inspiring