Hello! My name is Butakov Artem, 乔马, and I graduated this year with a degree in Art Design from CAA’s School of Fashion Design. I come from Komsomolsk-on-Amur in Russia, a city known not only as a cradle of the aviation and shipbuilding industries but also as a young metropolis rich in cultural diversity. It was in this industrial stronghold, amidst steel and robust lines, that my pursuit of beauty and art was ignited. A longing for softness and creativity grew within me, and design became my most cherished childhood dream.

In high school, my sister chose to study at Harbin Institute of Technology in China. Her decision deeply influenced and inspired me, fostering a strong desire to study in China. When I first set foot on the campus of China Academy of Art, I was profoundly moved. My thought was, "Wow! This is the first time I've been in a place truly filled with an artistic atmosphere! The air is thick with the essence of art, as if every corner tells a story of creativity". To me, Hangzhou is more than just a city. It is like a soulful painting, with each corner offering boundless inspiration and contemplation. Here, I also found like-minded friends, and together, we pursue our artistic dreams, encouraging and supporting one another.

My graduation project, the "Fruits of the Spirit" series, draws inspiration from Ivan Krylov's 1808 fable "The Fox and the Grapes". This series features three sets of men's suits, each symbolizing themes from the fable such as the eternal struggle between desire and reality, overcoming obstacles, and the pursuit of seemingly unattainable ideals. The aim is to fully showcase the resilience of the Russian people. In the design, I blend classic and modern styles, using high-quality synthetic leather materials adorned with modernized gold thread embroidery. This brings traditional Russian patterns, characterized by minimalistic aesthetics, into a contemporary context. Through this series, I hope to highlight the significance and value of Russian traditional tailoring in the fashion world, and to contribute to the preservation and development of Russian culture.

Looking ahead, I'm excited to stay in China and dive deeper into fashion design. I can't wait to share the unique charm of Russian-style clothing with a broader audience, creating designs that beautifully blend traditional elegance with modern flair. Stay tuned for what's to come!