SOLO MÂTINE

The yound stylist from Geneva prepares to open a second boutique in Moscow.

Geneva-based Russian stylist Solo-Mâtine refuses to play by the rules of the fashion world. This is demonstrated by the alternative way in which she presents her collections, eschewing the traditional runway format in favour of a style more resembling a theatre performance or a shopping trip amongst girlfriends.Solo-Mâtine (derived from her real name Natalia Solomatine) says that she is “very wary of presenting her creations on classic models, because they are women who don’t possess natural proportions”. She has therefore created a new way of presenting her designs: the fashion show-fitting. The concept is as follows: each person can try on whichever design they prefer in the giant back-of-store dressing room, which is completely devoid of mirrors. They then stroll out and assess themselves in the mirror which is situated on the podium; each person is therefore instantly transformed into a model.Solo-Mâtine is equally averse to fashion showcases, where stylists have the opportunity to show off their creations. She prefers a more personal approach to prospective clients. Determined to “show who [she] really is”, she has chosen to target a more specific audience with theatrical performances, which she is staging with directors Pierre Mifsud and Eva Staub.Despite having never actually lived in Russia (her parents were international bureaucrats and she spent her childhood in Africa before moving to Geneva at the age of 12), Solo-Mâtine retains very strong links with her homeland. In the last two years she has staged two performances in Moscow, the latest of which, entitled “Tchebu goes to the moon”, was a collaboration with the Moscow State Textile University.A Solo-Mâtine boutique is soon to be opened in the Russian capital. In the meantime, clients can try her designs on for size at her shop located in the Paquis district of Geneva, an area which she appreciates for its diversity.WHO IS TCHEBU? Tchebu, short for Cheburashka, is a major character of Russian 60’s cartoons. A small animal of indeterminate species, with disproportionate ears and lots of fur, Tchebu vaguely resembles a bear cub or a small monkey.He has become amodern-day phenomenon in both Russia and Japan. Solo-Mâtine dedicated an entire collection to him, entitled “BB and her little pet…Tchebu”, which combined the world of animation with that of the Brigitte Bardot era.