Every year, the concept of the It Girl dramatically changes its role, keeping up with the fashion trends. You can cite dozens of styles associated with what’s “It” at the moment, but one such look that remains forever in style is that of the laconic black colour. Not just a mere hue, but a powerful symbol; black has commanded the fashion world for centuries. It’s the heart of dark fashion, an unspoken language that conveys potency, sophistication and eternity.

Dark fashion doesn’t pander to superficial looks, the necessity of ostentatious labels or typical flamboyance. Its definition finds its roots in the mysterious and thoughtful, where the clothing takes on an eloquent narrative of its own. On the one hand, united yet fluid, it illustrates morality but plays ambitiously, breaking the conventional norms. Each garment has an intoxicating darkness of life, investigating the beauty of subtle nuances.

Recently the GATA team had the chance to personally meet Victoria Churaeva in Tokyo. During COVID-19, she took Instagram by storm as an influencer under the username @salavat_kypere (from the Tatar word for "rainbow") with her brutal oversized and total-black looks. Victoria's main occupation is a stylist and she strikingly became a prominent player in the Russian fashion industry not so long ago, fusing her love of thrifting with edgy uses of Photoshop and social media to break through walls embodying the principle,—“fake it till you make it”.

GATA: Hello Victoria! Can you briefly introduce yourself to the GATA family?

VICTORIA: My name is Victoria, but you can simply call me Vika. I am 31. I am a stylist and influencer. In 2022, I started my own fashion brand The Sxslvt and announced my first collection line. Due to the business of my profession, I am always on the move and have no choice except to continue living in two cities: Moscow and Saint Petersburg. I adore fashion and travelling, plus cherish my primary support: my family.

GATA: What was your first interaction with fashion? Was there a moment of epiphany when you realised you wanted to pursue fashion?

VICTORIA: As a child, I remember my parents owned a second-hand shop. Most likely from that time onward, my interest in fashion started to develop gradually. Furthermore, I used to wear the coolest clothes in the city.

GATA: What prompted you to start your journey towards becoming a stylist?

VICTORIA: I partially answered this in the previous question. The only point I would like to add is my MEGA cool mother, whose opinion I care about the most. All gratitude goes to her, as she was the main source of support when I started pursuing a path as a stylist.

GATA: Who was your inspiration or a role model?

VICTORIA: As a kid, I was a huge fan of Madonna, and after a while, I remained a devoted one. Looking at myself now, particularly at my style, it becomes clear where my stylistic methods come from latex, blond, kazaks, bell-bottoms, leather, aggressive sexuality, etc.

By the way, I am going to her concert in Paris to fulfil my childhood dream.

GATA: Do you have any no-fail styling tricks? If yes, can you share a few with us?

VICTORIA: As I'm blond, total-black looks are an undefeated choice. Moreover, if you run out of time but still want to rock your outfit in photos, sunglasses, especially huge ones, are your lifesaver.

GATA: What's your favourite look so far? What makes it outstanding from others?

VICTORIA: For now, I am unsure about listing a particular or even a few looks as an example. I'm in love with my all-total black looks.

GATA: Describe your style in three words.

VICTORIA: After a trip to Japan, my previous preferences were shifted to more deconstructive choices. The main point is whenever I choose clothes of this nature, I prefer the one with an emphasised waist, as it suits me personally. Even in such brands as Comme des Garcons, where the whole women's line defines the meaning of anti-sex, I will do my best to find some refined silhouettes.

GATA: What's your precious wardrobe piece?

VICTORIA: I have collected many valuable pieces so far. The most expensive and essential garment is the Yohji Yamamoto coat, which cost me a pretty penny.

GATA: What's your trademark accessory?

VICTORIA: Right now, I assume they are either coloured eye contact lenses or sclera contact lenses.

GATA: Who are some of your go-to designers for styling now?

VICTORIA: I give my preference to the same fashion maestros, namely Balenciaga and Rick Owens. Additionally, I will mention Comme des Garçons, but not all of their avant-garde aesthetic and silhouettes of the future suit me.

GATA: If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?

VICTORIA: After all, I think my heart belongs to Balenciaga. This brand combines both style and comfort. In my opinion, there is no brand which represents more wearable pieces on an everyday basis than Balenciaga.

GATA: What's your philosophy on a mix of luxury brands and the mass market? What are some of your to-go brands, which combine quality and affordability?

VICTORIA: I'm totally fine with it. To this day, I combine some expensive pieces with mass-market items. Due to the withdrawal of a huge amount of fashion brands from the Russian market, I discovered Lime, similar to ZARA. The quality and design are no worse, if not even better. I don't see the point of overpaying for basic things in luxury brands. However, if there is no comparable item, such as Rick Owens' clashing trousers, then why not?

GATA: As our magazine is fond of movies, name your top five.

VICTORIA: It's pretty tough for me, to be honest, as I barely have time to check what’s going on cinema. However, some that come to my mind are Bitter Moon, Fight Club, Interview with the Vampire and The Game.