Bina Marachini - about Soviet fashion and longboard

Interview took place in English

Bina Marachini was born in Sudan, but as a child left the country because of the civil war. The girl lived in Egypt, in Cyprus and Italy, where she learned to be a designer. After the separation of South Sudan, Bina began problems with the documents. In Cyprus, she met a young man from Russia and moved with him to Petersburg. Now the girl is trying to obtain Russian citizenship and is developing her own brand of clothing.

Bina tells why she fell in love with Russian culture, that in St. Petersburg inspires her to create fashion collections and why, after a meeting with the police, she was afraid to go out.

Age

29 years

Kind of activity

Designer

In St. Petersburg

6 years

We left Sudan in the late 90s, when I was six. In primary school, we were briefly told about the civil war, about the conflict between the North and the South. But at first I did not perceive it as something close to me and did not know what was happening.

We moved to Egypt, where I graduated from the American school. Then my mother and I moved to Cyprus, where I began to study public relations. Even then, I understood that I would like to be a designer, but my mother said that the design could not build a career. She wanted the best for me, but forced to do what she wanted herself. Despite this, immediately after graduation, I flew to Italy, where I went to design courses.

Now it seems that I have dreamed of engaging in clothing to be designed all my life. When I was twelve years old, I did not think that I could love my work so much. But once I came to my grandmother and saw a sewing machine on which she made clothes for her neighbors. I tried to sew clothes for the Barbie doll from a piece of fabric. It turned out very cool, and since then I have a passion for creating beautiful clothes.

In 2011, even in Cyprus, I created my Bina Maracchini brand. She participated in several shows, talked with other designers and models. Subsequently, I continued to engage in this brand, wherever I was.

In 2014, I was again in Cyprus. However, at the Embassy of Sudan, [where I turned to extend the visa], I was announced that my passport is invalid without explaining the reasons. I sent many requests, but they did not answer me.

In this difficult period, I met the Russian guy Ilya. We talked for a long time, he supported me when I tried to sue the Embassy of Sudan. A year later, he needed to go back to St. Petersburg, and he invited me with him - by coincidence, I had a Russian visa. I consulted with my priest, and he also advised me to try. Ilya invited me to marry him - and I agreed. Officially, this has not yet been designed.

First in Russia, I panicked and thought to go somewhere else. In addition, it was very difficult to continue to engage in the brand. I did not know whether I would stay here for a long time, what would happen next, whether they would give me a passport. But after a few months I realized that I would live here, and first of all I transported my sewing machine from Cyprus.

Now I am not a citizen of any country in the world. I hope that soon we will achieve justice with a lawyer (Bina tries to get refugee status and continues to sue Sudan - approx. “Paper” ). I can’t leave from St. Petersburg without documents, although I am invited to shows in Paris, New York, London, Milan. Once the organizers even asked me to go to Skype in the midst of the event.

This all gives me the motivation to develop further and spurks to solving problems. In Russia, you can’t sit and wait for something to decide. So I draw attention to my problem with documents [posts on social networks].

What did Russia teach you?

In St. Petersburg, its own, special atmosphere. But, oddly enough, nothing seems unusual here. In addition to the weather, it is very cold and lack the sun. But the main thing - as I understand it now - in St. Petersburg, I can almost always feel safe as at home.

Here I can not only live, but also receive new experience and knowledge - not only as a designer, but also as a person: I feel that I have grown internally. There are a lot of reading people in St. Petersburg, it is interesting to communicate with them, and I also began to read more. There are many theaters, interesting things for which there is not enough time. I have inspiration from all this.

I think I even became a little Russian. This is expressed in how I make clothes. Before arriving in St. Petersburg, I heard a lot about Russian art and culture, but never separated it from European. Here I began to study Russian history and found out that many things were created precisely by Russians, especially in art.

My last collection was inspired by the Soviet era and Russian culture in a broad sense. I generally like to study how the girls dressed at different times. In Soviet fashion, I saw minimalism. I gave free rein to my imagination and tried to process my idea of ​​this.

Who played an important role for you?

I was lucky that I have friends who were with me when I fell and rose - at any time. In particular, Ilya - sometimes I am even ashamed in front of him. I told him: “Why are you busy with me? Travel, find the best job. ” But he remains in Russia, with me.

Recently, I had one of the most disgusting stages in my life, when I first felt in Russia not safe in Russia. I walked along the street, the police stopped me and asked the passport - but I don’t have it. I explained the situation to them, but they did not understand. They said that these were my problems, and took them to the department without letting the lawyer call.

I got into a camera where it was very dirty and terribly smelled. I began to worry about my life, although I did not commit any crimes. A few hours later I was released, but after I had a very depressed period: I was even afraid to go outside. Friends helped me cope with this: they supported me.

What would you like to transfer from your country to Russia?

I did not think that I would stay in Russia for a long time and would not go anywhere. But I am so comfortable here.

If I could, I would transfer to Russia more understanding in communication with foreigners. Sometimes this is not enough here. I understand that Russia has its own standards that I respect. I understand that many prohibitions were created to protect: it seems to me that if the country was open to everyone, then everyone would be tired of foreigners. But if the Russians had more opportunity to recognize the background of foreigners, there would be more understanding and respect.

Many people abroad do not understand what Russian life really is. And here is a lot of interesting things. It’s very cool that there are no racists in Russia. I did not face rejection of myself. The Russians are actually not aggressive.

Five finds in St. Petersburg

1. Cozy cafes in the city center
   I like Nevsky Prospekt and small cozy places in his environs. There you can take a deep breath and relax. I love a cafe on Gorokhova - in them you can calmly sit with friends or one, even in summer, even in winter.
2. Cold and gray
   I often heard that the Russians smile little. But, having come here, I realized why this is happening. It is very cold here and gray streets. It is difficult to smile constantly here. But I like it, I just lived in other conditions.
   
3. Smiles in public transport
   Yes, the Russians still smile, just infrequently. I am always pleased when someone smiles at me in the subway or bus-for some reason it happens most often there.
   
4. Longboard
   In Russia, I discovered longboards. I have two of them now. And in the summer, this seems to be the best means of transportation.
   
5. Inspiration
   As an artist, I became more open here. In St. Petersburg, you experience a lot of feelings: you fall far down, take off high, full of energy and strength. But each of these feelings gives me inspiration. I can develop here, get better.

Why are you here?

When I receive documents, I may stay in Russia. But it is important for me that it is on legal grounds. So that I can open a business, officially work with other designers, fly to fashion shows to other countries.