Katya Kovtunovich

With Royal and Celebrity admirers including Lady Gaga, Vanessa Hudgens, Freida Pinto and Veronica Bocelli, Katya Kovtunovich’s fashion brand is taking the world by storm.

Based in the capital of now – Dubai, “This young designer’s star is shining very brightly in the Arabian skies” – writes Harpers Bazaar Arabia. With a thriving line of chic and classy Beach kaftans worn by jetsetters from Ibiza to St Barth, eye catching “Bedouin chic” Sadou collection, and bespoke one-off red carpet pieces – the brand is set out for worldwide recognition.

Katya began her career as an intern at British Vogue, quickly worked her way up and became a fashion journalist for L’Officiel Russia, Elle and Vogue Russia. She spent 4 years travelling to Fashion Weeks, writing reports, analytical articles and interviewing most renowned designers and personalities. Having earned herself a status of an international Fashion Expert, she set up her own fashion line.

Katya started sewing at the age of 7, compiling an impressive collection for her Barbie doll, which included bridal gowns, sportswear, leather shoes and bags. She continued creating clothes for herself, receiving compliments even from passersby, who encouraged her to become a fashion designer.

Born on the Russian island of Sakhalin, near Japan, and graduated from St. Petersburg State University in Linguistics, Katya speaks 5 languages and is a self-made businesswoman and entrepreneur, motivational speaker and mentor.

Brand Katya Kovtunovich is sold at multi-brand boutique Studio 8 in Dubai Mall, on prestigious online platform Not Just A Label, while the Beach line boasts a 100 percent sell-out at Ibiza’s famous Blue Marlin Beach Club during the summer season. Hundreds of direct orders are placed on the brand’s Instagram and Facebook accounts, which serve as a worldwide online store.

Katya has produced a signature capsule collection for Bloomingdales Dubai, created uniforms for Sephora Middle East, and has been invited to showcase her designs as part of governmental missions of Bahrain in Washington DC and United Arab Emirates at Expo Milan 2015. She has spoken to students at numerous schools and universities in Russia and the UAE.

Katya’s designs have been favoured by Hollywood actresses Vanessa Hudgens and Freida Pinto, wife and CEO of Andrea Bocelli - Veronica Berti, Grammy Award winning jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, prima ballerina of Mariinsky Theatre Diana Vishneva and the ballet star of the Bolshoi Theatre Kristina Kretova among others.