Ksenia Semirova

Embroiderer

©Vadim Semirov

©Ksenia Semirova

Embroidered accessories

Ksenia defines embroidery as a kind of magic
Her first object was inspired by a black orchid
She loves to make objects that make people happy

Ksenia Semirova's background in industrial and textile design led her to ponder on how to preserve and adapt the rich heritage of traditional embroidery techniques in a contemporary way. What started as a hobby quickly became a career since she made her first embroidery project, a glove-purse concept inspired by a black orchid and the lavish parties of The Great Gatsby, one of her favourite books. Mixing Luneville tambour and Russian pearl embroidery techniques, she designs multifunctional accessories aimed at enhancing people’s personalities as they carry with them little pieces of her art. She believes the tiny imperfections of her handmade creations are what help her customers recognize the non-industrial nature of her products.

Interview

©Vadim Semirov

©Ksenia Semirova

What pushed you to start embroidering?: To be honest, I think this craft has chosen me. Looking back, I see that embroidery was always present in my life in one way or another from my early childhood. I just stopped pretending to be someone else and started to do what I really dreamed about.
When did you first pick up this craft?: While studying industrial design, I discovered I was more interested in creating unique, conceptual pieces than doing mass-production. While working on a personal design manifesto, I decided to make an embroidered clutch-bag for the cover of my thesis, determined that I would start studying embroidery one day.
Is your craft tied to territory?: I always try to include visual references and materials related to the place I get my inspiration from. In our modern globalized world, being anchored in one place is limiting for an artist. The real question is how to connect my cultural and craft heritage to the place I live?
How would you define what you do?: I like to define embroidery as a kind of magic. A magic show is all about illusion, but you still wonder what’s the trick? I’ve heard the same question regarding embroidery as people want to touch my work to figure out if its just beads and threads or wathnot. Such a reaction is really precious!

Ksenia Semirova is a rising star: she began her career in 2017