Journey Through Fashion, Branding, and Creativity

Ukraine-born Katerina Kosmina is a brand manager and stylist who has managed to interweave bright threads of work experience. Rooted and grounded in fashion and creativity, she skillfully combines her love of styling with the finesse of strategic brand management.

Now located in Orange County, Katerina continues to apply her knowledge to built brands and fresh talent alike. Highly passionate about crafting a singular, visual narrative for her clients, she is also sharply aware and observant about the latest trends. Outside of work, Katerina finds joy in tennis, travel, and discovering new inspiration in everyday life.

How did you discover your talent for styling, and what drew you to this profession?

I was never the same since childhood—fashion captured my heart. My mother dressed me in the most fashionable clothing, and my father and grandfather brought back the latest things from their business trips. At five, my grandfather quietly gave me a bob haircut, which became my first fashion statement.

I followed the line back then to fight the system and studied to be a lawyer, so the workwear there is clear. However, during the time as an assistant in a notary's office, it then dawned on me that law wasn't my path-I was too creative. I moved on and founded my own clothing brand from children's wear to adult fashion, and I accomplished it by taking numerous courses in styling, using the skills in my business. It has been a very long but interesting journey that keeps unfolding.

Can you walk us through your creative process, and where do you get most of your inspiration from when creating a new look?

This is my creative process, which combines intuition, research, and storytelling. I always begin with an idea or an emotion that I want to convey.

Be it inspired by a certain era, piece of art, or a fleeting moment of nature, I let that concept drive the whole process. I find inspiration in the most unlikely of places: traveling, architecture, music, or just by observing the rhythms of everyday life. When an idea is clear, I am surrounded by mood boards, colors, textures, and shapes that speak to that theme.

For me, the process of creating is like telling a story where every element holds its own meaning. I think about how the components work together, the feelings it evokes, and the person who will wear it. It's a sensitive balance between fantasy and purpose. I'm always trying to create something unique but relatable, carrying both my style and the story behind every design.

In what ways do you think the slow fashion movement is reshaping the fashion industry, and how are you incorporating its principles into your work?

The slow fashion movement is inspiring the industry to pay closer attention to the things that are better and more sustainable. The voice of quality over quantity loudly intersects-creation of timeless, long-lasting pieces developing enduring values rather than conceding to short-term trends.

The key guide for all our work with PTCL is the fact that there is much focus on: ethical sourcing, quality, craftsmanship, versatile design that lasts through time. We are committed to creating in small quantities, with eco-friendly materials, and driving human consciousness about consumerism. The approach goes in accordance with our values and is of meaning to every single one who really cares about sustainability and the consciousness of their style.

If you had to choose a few pivotal trends or styles for Fall 2024, what do you think they are, and how can people work them into their clothes?

For Fall 2024, another huge trend will be in sustainable denim. Consumers are choosing to move away from fast fashion into clothes that are multi-functional, long-lasting, and good for the environment. Introducing our new crop of timeless, sustainable jeans: from laid-back straight-legs to high-waisted flares, take a journey through silhouettes. Style these into your wardrobe with a focal point on classic cuts that work both dressed up and dressed down.

Pair our sustainable jeans with a fitted, tailored blazer for a polished, professional look; ease into a more relaxed vibe with a chunky knit sweater, and leave the rest to us. The secret is in investing in items that are good not only for their purpose but also offer endless styling options that are good for the planet.