Who did you learn from?
I studied with Yarina Nikolayeva, one of the finest goldwork artisans in Russia, the head of the Tausen folk ensemble and the Drevo Creative Studio in Moscow. She meticulously taught me the demanding techniques, the captivating history, what materials could be used and where to find them.
What was the first kokoshnik you made?
My first creation was a headdress from the Arkhangelsk province. It was in 2014. I was inspired by Russian art, especially Ivan Bilibin's Russian fairytale illustrations, as well as paintings by Viktor Vasnetsov and Konstantin Makovsky.
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There are very different styles of kokoshniks...
The variety was immense. Each province of Russia had its own styles. The invention of the kokoshnik was originally influenced by cattle worship. This headdress was made only for married women to wear – and only on holidays – and it had to fully cover the hair. The rest was up to local artisans to design.
Is there anything about your craft that people don’t normally know?
Before the 1917 Bolshevik revolution, a luxurious kokoshnik – made with pearls, precious stones and gold – could cost as much as a house. It would take many months to make.