PHOENIX

Fashion designer Natalia Dmitrieva
Photography & Creative Direction Milena Kravetz
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
In the avant-garde tapestry of modern art, Natalia Dmitrieva's Phoenix project emerges as a compelling synthesis of conceptual art, fast fashion, and high fashion. This project transcends mere aesthetic appeal, delving deep into the narrative of metamorphosis, a poignant allegory of rebirth from the ashes of the past. The designer with a discerning eye for the transformative power of materials, repurposes plastic film—a symbol of consumer excess and ecological neglect—into a vibrant testament to renewal and possibility.

The metamorphosis of this mundane material through cutting, folding, heating, and shaping is not merely a physical transformation but a deeply symbolic journey. Each process imbues the material with new life, echoing the phoenix's rise from desolation to splendor. This act of creation mirrors the cycles of destruction and renewal inherent in nature, society, and personal growth, challenging the viewer to reconsider the value and potential of what is often discarded.

Natalia Dmitrieva's work stands at the confluence of environmental consciousness and fashion critique, questioning the relentless pace of fast fashion and its implications on our world. By weaving together elements of high fashion—the epitome of craftsmanship and exclusivity—with the ephemeral, often disregarded materials of fast fashion, Phoenix articulates a nuanced critique of contemporary consumer culture.

In this context, Phoenix is not just a fashion statement but a conceptual exploration, a dialogue between the ephemeral and the eternal. Her project transcends traditional boundaries, offering a reflection on the nature of change, the beauty of transformation, and the endless possibilities that arise from embracing the cycle of renewal. Through Phoenix, she posits that within the discarded and overlooked lies the potential for extraordinary rebirth, making a profound statement on sustainability, creativity, and the capacity for change.

As the second part of the "Phoenix" project a photoshoot unfolds in the labyrinthine environs of Mercado Pla Arte. Orchestrated by the visionary Milena Kravetz, a Creative Director and Photographer whose oeuvre is marked by an indelible commitment to artistic and androgynous aesthetics . She has assembled a cadre of five individuals Sofia Marie Madeira Martins, Saro Farias, Igor Khabin, Xena Xandra Petronella Waterval, Natali Ferreira, each embodying a unique fusion of creativity and ambiguity. This collective, through self-styling, makeup artistry, and an intuitive melding with their surroundings, narrates a vibrant dialogue with the fashion objects at their disposal .

The essence of this collaboration lies in the transformative power of personal interpretation and the fluidity of identity, as each participant channels their innermost sentiments towards the garments. These expressions are not merely superficial; they delve into the profound interplay between attire and persona, each model becoming a living canvas that defies conventional norms.

Milena Kravetz's creative direction serves as a crucible for the alchemical transformation of high fashion into fast fashion, and vice versa, exploring the cyclical nature of inspiration and its equilibrium. This photoshoot is not just a presentation of fashion; it's a manifesto on the reincarnation of ideas, where the ephemeral meets the eternal in a dance of creativity and rebirth. Through this lens, we witness a fascinating metamorphosis: high fashion's exclusivity merges with fast fashion's accessibility, suggesting a symbiotic relationship rather than a dichotomy. The Mercado Pla Arte space, with its inherent vibrancy and eclectic ambiance, complements this vision, providing a backdrop that enhances the narrative of transformation and regeneration.

Phoenix, therefore, stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the face of fast fashion's transient allure. It is a celebration of the creative spirit's ability to inspire change and foster a dialogue between the past and the future, the discarded and the cherished. In this journey of transformation, Natalia Dmitrieva and Milena Kravetz, and their team not only redefine the boundaries of fashion but also invite us to reconsider our relationship with the materials that clothe us, urging us towards a more conscious and harmonious existence with our world.

 
Fashion Designer

Natalia Dmitrieva

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia
in 1998 graduated from the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts
Since 2000 has worked as a production designer at the largest Russian drama and opera Theaters.
Has a remarkable experience in organizing and designing Russian and European city fests, carnivals, show and TV programs, as well as in designing outdoor advertising.
Has several awards granted by the St. Petersburg Government for the personal contribution to the development of the cultural life of the city.
Since 2014 lives and works in Lisbon, Portugal
In 2017 founded her own brand TATÁ art jewelry.
In 2018, has prize "Best Designer of the Year" awarded by "PORTOJOIA", Portugal

 
Photographer & creative director

Milena Kravetz

She has traveled extensively for work throughout Europe and Asia, living in 35 countries and based in Lisbon. She graduated from the Academy of Art ADA in Florence, Italy, and holds a Master's degree in Fine Art and Sculpture. In addition to her art career, she has contributed to documentary photography and filmmaking projects for UNESCO. In 2017, she received an award for her work as the director of photography on the film "Learn to Play the Game." Her artistic endeavors focus on a deep passion for art and documentary photography, often utilizing black and white images to convey her emotions toward people and architecture. Recently, she found her passion in artistic fashion photography. Her work has been showcased in approximately 10 exhibitions and featured in over 50 publications across various magazines and popular creative platforms. Currently, she is actively engaged in producing photography books, developing her own clothing line, serving as a Creative Director for different companies, and managing model casting projects. Additionally, she mentors individuals in the fields of Art Start-ups and Creative Thinking.

The Phoenix is a magnificent and immortal bird, embodying the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It is a creature of fire and ash, renowned for its ability to regenerate or be reborn from its own ashes. Symbolizing resurrection, immortality, and transformation, the Phoenix serves as a powerful metaphor for hope, renewal, and the enduring nature of life itself. With its brilliant scarlet and gold plumage and melodious cry, the Phoenix is unique and awe-inspiring, representing not just the physical phenomena of rebirth but also spiritual and personal renewal. Across cultures, it stands as a symbol of majesty, libration, and the perpetual cycle of time, embodying the essence of life's perpetual motion towards regeneration and enlightenmen.
Gratitude to our partners and organisers!

Address:
Studio Pla Arte, Prata Riverside Village, Lisbon PT

E-mail:
Natalie Dmitrieva
tata.art.jewlery@gmail.com

Milena Kravetz
milenakrawetzpost@gmail.com

Team/Models
Sofia Marie Madeira Martins
Lou Matznetter
Igor Khabin
Saro Farias
Xena Xandra Petronella Waterval
Natali Ferreira