Ksenia Malkova, the talented designer behind the renowned brand Jose Rocco
SAXS December 8, 2023In the interview conducted by HRH Princess Keisha Omilana, the owner of SAXS Magazine, Ksenia Malkova, the talented designer behind the renowned brand Jose Rocco, opens up about her journey in the world of fashion and her unique approach to design. Born and raised in a small town in Russia, Ksenia shares her fondness for her hometown and the sense of community that shaped her upbringing.(All photos credit: Fernando Catala)
Growing up in Saratov, Ksenia was deeply connected to the Volga River, which flowed through her city. She fondly reminisced about summers spent swimming and fishing, and winters filled with ice fishing and skiing on the frozen river. These memories left an indelible mark on her, imbuing her with a sense of camaraderie, laughter, and the serene beauty that only the Volga River could offer.
From a young age, Ksenia discovered her love for fashion through sewing classes at school. She vividly recalled the excitement of creating her first dress at the age of 11, an experience that opened up a whole new world of fabrics, patterns, and creativity. This initial spark grew into a true passion, leading her into the fascinating and wonderful universe of design and fashion.
Ksenia Malkova in her studio with Princess Keisha Omilana and Olga If
When asked about her hobbies and sources of joy, Ksenia’s face lights up with enthusiasm. She reveals her love for painting and drawing, which she believes has greatly influenced her creative vision. Exploring different art forms allows her to find inspiration in unexpected places and infuse her designs with a touch of artistic flair.
As a designer, Ksenia has a preference for working with natural materials such as cashmere, Merino wool, and silk. She values their incomparable quality and texture, as well as their unique properties. Cashmere provides a soft and warm touch, Merino wool is fine and versatile, and silk boasts an extraordinary shine and elegance. Not only do these natural fabrics offer a luxurious feel, but they are also more breathable, durable, and environmentally friendly compared to synthetic materials. Working with them allows Ksenia to create high-quality garments while staying connected to the beauty and sustainability offered by natural resources.
Ksenia Malkova, the talented designer behind the brand Jose Rocco, has big aspirations for the future. She aims to expand her brand globally and collaborate with renowned designers and artists to create unique and innovative collections. While she is humbled by the idea of becoming a fashion influencer, her main focus will always be on creating garments that exude elegance and excellence.
HRH Princess Keisha Omilana in a Photoshoot wearing Jose Rocco attire
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Ksenia shares her medium- and long-term vision, which goes beyond just clothing. She aspires to understand and address the needs of modern women, not only through fashion but also by giving them the possibility of raising their self-esteem with her designs. Her goal is to go beyond the superficial and offer garments that not only dress the body but also reinforce the confidence and self-worth of her clients. Ksenia wants to be recognized not only for her designs but also for the positive impact they have on the lives and self-esteem of those who wear them.
Aside from her passion for fashion, Ksenia also loves to travel. Exploring different cultures and experiencing new places enriches her life. She has been fortunate enough to visit several countries, including Italy, France, and the United States. In Spain, she highly recommends visiting Barcelona for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere. In her native country, Russia, St. Petersburg is a must-visit city with its rich history and breathtaking landmarks.
Ksenia expressed her desire to delve deeper into the cultural, artistic, and gastronomic richness of both Russia and Spain. She acknowledged Russia’s intriguing history, iconic literature, and impressive monuments, which blend harmoniously with the vitality and passion of Spanish culture. The vibrant art, captivating architecture, and delicious gastronomy of Spain have always fascinated her. Ksenia believes that immersing herself in the beauty, diversity, and unique traditions of these two nations would be an enriching experience.
HRH Princess Keisha Omilana in a Photoshoot wearing Jose Rocco attire
What motivates Ksenia every day is her love and passion for her craft. She feels grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves and create beautiful garments that make women feel confident and empowered. The joy and satisfaction she gets from seeing someone wear her designs fuel her motivation to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues.
Ksenia emphasizes the importance of nurturing and encouraging children’s passions. She believes that every child is unique and has their own set of talents and abilities. By supporting and believing in them, parents can help their children unlock their full potential and achieve great things. For young people who are hesitant to take the next step, Ksenia advises them to have faith in themselves and their abilities. Taking risks and stepping out of their comfort zone is essential for personal and professional growth.
Ksenia’s determination and perseverance are qualities she admires most about herself. She believes that these qualities have helped her overcome challenges and achieve her goals. They have also allowed her to continuously grow and evolve as a designer.
HRH Princess Keisha Omilana wearing Jose Rocco Cashmere designed by Ksenia Malkova
To add a fun twist to the interview, Ksenia and Princess Keisha play a game of ping pong. Princess Keisha shares a few words, and Ksenia responds with the first thing that comes to mind. This game reveals Ksenia’s love for adventure, her practice of yoga, her favorite movie being “The Devil Wears Prada,” and her preference not to dwell on negativity. She associates children with innocence, dancing with freedom, singing with expression, drawing with creativity, and modeling with confidence. Ksenia considers machismo outdated and feminism as a movement for equality. Politics is a complex topic for her, and her favorite food is sushi. She values resilience as a character trait and does not have any tattoos. Her preferred outfit style is classic and timeless, and she believes that 10% of madness is necessary. For a date, she suggests a cozy restaurant with a view, and the best gift for her is something thoughtful and personal.
Social media plays a significant role in Ksenia’s career, as it allows her to connect with her audience and showcase her work. She particularly enjoys using Instagram to visually communicate her designs and interact with her followers. Ksenia believes that social networks and new technologies have revolutionized the fashion industry, making it more accessible and inclusive for designers like herself.
The empowerment of women in recent years is something Ksenia finds remarkable. She is inspired by seeing women take on leading positions around the world, proving that gender should never be a barrier to success. However, she acknowledges that there is still work to be done to improve gender equality. Ksenia believes in promoting equal opportunities, challenging societal norms and stereotypes, and raising awareness to create a more inclusive and equal society.
Lastly, Ksenia addresses the topic of sustainability and the use of skins in her designs. She is committed to creating garments that are not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious. Ksenia strives to use sustainable materials and production methods, including ethically sourced fabrics and innovative techniques. When it comes to skins, she believes in responsible sourcing and ensuring that the animals are treated with respect and dignity. Ksenia is constantly exploring new ways to minimize the environmental impact of her designs and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
As the interview with Ksenia Malkova comes to a close, it is evident that her passion for fashion and dedication to her craft have propelled her to great heights. Her unique designs, inspired by her love for cashmere and wool, continue to captivate fashion enthusiasts worldwide. With each creation, Ksenia Malkova proves that true artistry knows no boundaries and that the world of fashion is forever enriched by her creative genius.
In conclusion, Ksenia Malkova, the designer of Jose Rocco, has a deep-rooted passion for fashion that was ignited during her childhood in Saratov, Russia. Her connection to the Volga River and her love for natural materials have shaped her unique approach to design.
Ksenia’s journey as a designer is filled with passion, determination, and a commitment to creating beautiful and sustainable garments. Her story serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their passions and embrace their creativity. SAXS Magazine is grateful for the opportunity to share Ksenia’s thoughts and experiences with its readers.
You can purchase your favourite piece’s from Ksenia’s brand Jose Rocco and to follow her on Instagram here: