by Erzhena Tsybikova
In this article, you will meet the senior of Fashion Design Victoria Sokovikova. She is from the Republic of Buryatia, Russia. Let’s find out a little more about her study in the next interview.
Why did you enter the Fashion design department?
I always liked to do something related to fashion, for example: styling. I looked at people and understood what would fit and express the inner part of a person. It’s cool to see the whole process of generating from ideas to material clothing.
What courses do you like in your department?
All business-related courses. There we are taught not only how to sew, but also how to create our own brand and start a business.
How close are you with others in the department?
We are covid time students. After Covid-19 something went wrong, we became a little bit divided. There is no spirit of cohesion between fourth-year students. But others say that freshmen and sophomores have a better relationship. Maybe because we’re creative people, we all have a chaotic work style. We can start impulsively and quit. There is a lack of such a person who could rally everyone. We have Dudu, she is now a leader, trying to pull together everyone, although she is a sophomore.
What achievements do you consider your best in 4 years of study?
I learned how to work with different people. We have an international community and we need to be able to communicate and explain our thoughts. Do not wait for someone else to start doing something, but start yourself so that you are followed.
I think this is one of the main skills that you can get in MIU. For me, our university is a starting point.
What professional paths are you considering after graduation?
During my studies, I don’t really like sewing, I like business and styling more. There are a lot of opportunities for cashmere here in Mongolia. Here one graduate was immediately taken to Gobi, with a very good salary. Maybe here not every university has courses about business and design together. There is another one who works as a PR manager for a luxury brand.
We realized that fashion design is interesting, but I’m more interested in business and psychology. I think I’ll do business.
How have you changed in 4 years?
I came here as a sophomore. I 100% grew as a person, became independent. I met a lot of interesting people. It expands your view of the world, not just living in your own little world. I became very interested in psychology: how people from different countries, with different mentalities communicate with each other.
Do you miss home?
It seems to me as I was brought up by my parents, I am very independent, and we rarely communicate. Of course, the first semester was hard for me, but then I got used to it. I’m like, ” hooray I’m alone.” And parents are like, ” hooray, she moved out of the house, DOBBY IS FREE””. In fact, for graduation, my mom presented me socks and a notebook, like in the Harry Potter movie. My parents are very happy that I am an adult and independent person. When you live in a country, it gives you a different confidence. When you still speak a different language, you discover a different part of yourself. Here in Russia, I thought I was a shy person, and then I opened up. I feel like myself, I don’t have to pretend. Thanks to the English language and living here, I learned to understand myself more and express my thoughts.
About the fashion show.
Hooray I’m graduating. Instead of a diploma working we have a fashion show. This year the theme is REVIVAL, the meaning behind it is something is over and something starts anew. It is clear that we are graduating from university and starting our new chapter in life. You should expect interesting designs. Everyone tried their best to make something unusual. Although there are not many graduates, we are 7 people. Everyone has 6 designs, and Ozi has 7. Sophomores and freshmen will also participate. Come and see! There will be music, it will be interesting, probably there will be food.
My collection is called “Occasion for Serenity”. I was inspired by the yin yang symbol that life is made up of opposites. I like my collection, let’s see what happens.
For applicants who want to join MIU
If you have childish hopes like you will be the best fashion designer, everyone will love you, then sorry, this doesn’t happen. Everyone comes with a dreamy goal. It is better to come here if you already have experience, at least drawing. It’s better to come with passion for fashion, and all the nonsense will be knocked out of your head here. You’ll grow up here, learn a lot, so come anyway. Everything will be fine.
In this article, you met a fashion design student Victoria. Let’s wish her luck in the future.