Description Seeking harmony between leotards, apparatus, and routine style, I aim for a holistic composition to make every routine look spectacular. There is one more point: the charisma and artistry of the participant are evaluated in each performance. The costume helps a lot to get into the role, so it is decorated with various applications, paintings, stones... Rhythmic gymnasts are insane fashionistas! Real shows take place behind the scenes!
It is also worth mentioning that discussing colors and designs typically involves a collaborative effort among three individuals: the coach, the parent, and the seamstress. Drawing inspiration from the routine's theme and accompanying music, we deliberate on the optimal foundational shape of the leotard, contemplating potential integrations with the music's origin. For instance, once I was working with a Ukrainian National team gymnast and my task was to craft a leotard for her to perform a Greek Sirtaki dance. By aligning with the coach's vision and infusing my personal touches, we succeeded in creating a masterpiece that played a pivotal role in the gymnast's symbolic victory at the 2019 World Universiade in Napoli (see image 3).
Innovation Continuous improvement and a desire to learn have always driven me to explore new avenues. Despite limited information on this niche, I sought education opportunities. Engaging with colleagues on international forums allowed us to share advice and recommendations. The uniqueness of my leotards lies in providing comfort to gymnasts, ensuring they last several competitive seasons.
While others offered leotards for a few competitions, I diversified by adding personalized elements and even began offering leotards for rent. The challenges gymnasts and their parents faced were my inspiration for introducing new services, including workshops to teach my unique decoration techniques.
The fashion and sports landscape is evolving rapidly, and I ensure I'm at the forefront by engaging with industry publications, attending conferences, and exploring emerging technologies. From high-tech sewing machines to artificial intelligence, these innovations offer exciting possibilities. I believe the integration of AI into the creative process will shape the future of design, and I'm eagerly anticipating the opportunities it will bring to my career.
Product Detail The project started back in 2010 when my daughter made her first steps in the world of rhythmic gymnastics. Throughout these years her skills were improved as well as my mastery. Collaborating with top-tier gymnasts and Olympians now moves my ongoing growth, ensuring each design is integral to their performances. For this contest, I presented a few of the recent works done in different variations.
Crafting a leotard entails a comprehensive approach, demanding meticulous foresight to ensure a perfect fit. As the industry continues to evolve, designers increasingly explore diverse textures and fabrics, facilitating the realization of complex details on the leotards, and I am no exception to this trend. The primary fabrics used include matte nylon spandex, mesh, and velvet, yet these merely serve as the foundation. The opportunities for creativity are limitless! Frequently, I incorporate glitter and leverage my aerography skills to introduce nuanced shades, lending the leotard a polished aesthetic. Crystals are placed to add a final touch and sparkle to the leotard, accentuating both the design peculiarities and the gymnast's skill and artistry.
Specification When creating a leotard sketch, I strive to consider all nuances related to the gymnast's figure. It's no secret that by using the right lines, you can visually adjust the silhouette. For example, if you want to emphasize the waist, then I make beige inserts on the sides. Many such peculiarities are associated with the visual "WOW effect" and, of course, with the comfort of wearing the costume. The addition of crystals and stones not only adds richness and sparkle but also complements this effect. Gluing gems is a special way of meditation for me!
My goal is to ensure comfort and sew a product that will last multiple seasons, considering how quickly young gymnasts grow. I aim to fashion a leotard that feels like a second skin, facilitating seamless movement during performances.
Bio Tetiana Shevchuk, a visionary designer specializing in rhythmic gymnastics attire, embarked on her journey 15 years ago by crafting a leotard for her daughter, Mariia. Tetiana's designs became a staple at prestigious events like the Olympic Games and continue to stand out for their innovation, lasting comfort, and personalized elements, catering to elite athletes from National Teams worldwide. Through a process that she describes as a form of meditation, Tetiana crafts visual masterpieces tailored to the unique style of each athlete, solidifying her importance in the rhythmic gymnastics world.
