Kira Plastinina

Kira Plastinina is coming stateside and in a big way with the launch of stores in LA, New York and Las Vegas with 50 more stores planned in the United States within the next three years. The brand already has 40 stores in Russia, 2 in the Ukraine and 2 in Kazakhstan. This could be your basic global expansion, but the fact is the designer behind the brand is only 16! You'll find 500 stores globally by the year 2010.

Kira Plastinina is generally like every other teenage girl, only she is at the helm of a
multi-million dollar company. By day she attends the prestigious Anglo-American school in Moscow, but after school she is chauffeured to her office where she begins her second life as a budding fashion designer. Backed by her millionaire father Sergei Plastinin, Kira's company is making major waves in the fashion world. "Kira Plastinina is well on her way to becoming an international sensation,” says Sergei Plastinin." With up to 40 branches open in premium malls in Russia, we have had tremendous success in creating a unique luxury brand that targets the teen market. Our decision to expand globally to the U.S. comes from our extensive research into the market and our confidence that we will fill a niche.” In 2007, Paris Hilton was brought in to sit front row at Kira's show during Moscow Fashion Week for a reported $2 million and the designer has already been named Glamour Magazine's "Woman of the Year" under the category "Breakthrough of the Year". In early January of this year, fashion editor's like Teen Vogue's Amy Astley was introduced to Kira Plastinina through a private party produced by Harrison & Shriftman to unveil the designers collection before New York Fashion Week began. We can't wait to watch the career of this young designer!

We were lucking enough to catch up with the design sensation.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: What’s it like being a designer at 16 years old!? 
KIRA PLASTININA: It is a big job, but I love it and would not want to be doing anything else!

FM: What is the greatest advice you’ve ever heard for your career? 
KP: Don't listen to what other people think of you.

FM: Where are you traveling this summer and what are the top three things you are packing? 
KP: White pants, great heels and fun tops.

FM: What are some travel destinations that you are dying to go to and why?
 KP: I am heading to Italy with my best friend and I am very excited!

FM: How are you inspired as a designer?
 KP: I am inspired by stylish women around the world.

FM: What cultures are you most inspired by? 
KP: All cultures, but I love the US.

FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought? 
KP: I do not think style and money are related at all.  Style is something that you are born with.

FM: What is a day in the life of Kira Plastinina like? 
KP: Busy!!!

FM: What is your best advice for balancing work and life?
KP: Keep what is important in perspective.  Spending quality time with friends and family is very important to me. 

FM: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 
KP: Still designing and helping young people achieve their dreams.

FM: How would you describe your style? 
KP: Girly, fun, chic.

FM: Who is the Kira Plastinina woman? 
KP: She is confident and has a good sense of humor.  She also loves being a girl!

FM: What are some staples that every woman should have in her wardrobe? 
KP: Nice fitting jeans, great heels, dresses that you can take from day to evening.
-Melissa Maynard