TTSWTRS | 5 Minutes With

Anna Osmekhina, the creative mind behind TTSWTRS, creates modern and innovative fashion for the new generation. Back in 2013, she created the label TTSWTRS (which stands for TATTOOSWEATERS) as a means of individualising fashion, using tattoos as inspiration.

In a span of 7 years, Anna’s designs have become a must-have among fashionistas in the Ukraine, where the label is based, and have also risen to global stardom. TTSWTRS has been worn by all our favourites from Nicki Minaj and Winnie Harlow to Tommy Cash and Liza Owen with top tattoo artists collaborating on intricate pieces and the fashion industry singing her praises with each ingenious new collection. 

TTSWTRS is remarkable for its concept of optical illusion of the naked body covered in tattoos. For its latest collection, the brand introduces an experimental range inspired by deconstructionism aesthetics. The new collection stays true to brand DNA, mixed with the vision of an AI future. The soul of FW 2020/2021 is a cyborg one-piece – covering a person as a second skin and serving as the basis for the other items. The collection transfers the futuristic scenario onto the basic winter wardrobe: neon sports costume perfect for planting vegetables on Mars or a lacquer one-piece for a small talk with the aliens. The collection also includes a reversible tattooed bomber with a detachable bag, parkas, lacquered bike-inspired jackets. The colours and details scream – technology: glazed and matte black, neon-green and beige contrasted with the electro schemes, USB sockets, technical description, details names and cyborg abbreviations. The quintessence of the collection is highlighted by the fluorescent reflective elements. 

You say TTSWTRS is a creative space of like-minded ideators and designers, how is this demonstrated through your artistry?

We are now developing this trajectory as I would like to see TTSWTRS turn into a big-scale platform like that one day. Meanwhile we have been supporting this idea creating clothes within the team for 7 years, gradually expanding the boundaries. Our collections are always a combination of ideas and feelings of every person in the team. For collaborations we invite not only tattoo artists, but also artists and illustrators to support different creative directions.  

Where do your main influences for TTSWTRS come from?

The main influences for TTSWTRS come from American icons. For us the most striking are Nicki Minaj and Winnie Harlow.

How would you describe your usual clientele?

Every one of our clients is a person who seeks to feel and express his uniqueness every day.

TTSWTRS is remarkable for its concept of optical illusion, your trademark is using tattooed textiles – is this a theme that will be seen continually from TTSWTRS?

We highly appreciate such a perception of our brand, and sure, we plan to permanently invite tattoo artists to collaborate.

TTSWTRS’s style has been described as wearable art, do you agree with that?

I really agree with this statement as we think of the human body as the canvas where the most important condition is being in the necessary density. Everyone who chooses to decorate their body with tattoos is unique, their body is the art itself, that’s our main inspiration.

When making your designs, what are your three biggest rules?

Follow the idea that is in my head, try not to be derivative, not to spoil the fabric and create consciously.

Other than the unique use of tattooed fabrics, how else do you distinguish individuality within your label? 

Each tattoo from our bodysuit or sweatshirt already has its place on the skin of a real person. For us it’s not just a print as we imagine as if we were tattoo artists and could place a tattoo on the body. So we directly produce the “bodies we tattooed”. Inside any piece there is a non-commercial story as if these things were for a particular movie. We love the clothing, the clothing loves us and you.

You’ve made pieces for celebs across the scene, from Nicki Minaj to Winnie Harlow, who has been your favourite to dress & why?

I was very pleased when I found out that Nicki Minaj had worn our clothes. Her stylist bought it in one of the concept stores where we were being presented. It being so unexpected and amazing made it one of the most pleasant experiences.

What’s the next step for TTSWTRS?

In the near future we want to switch to our own online platform and release collections only when we have something to say, without being tied to the season and trends. Also – to switch to organically created fabrics and biodegradable packaging. And as to our offline spaces: we want to open them in our favourite cities.

Follow TTSWTRS on Instagram

Interview: Izabel Rose