Sasha Petina shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sasha, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
When I went to Cooper Hewitt museum with my friend. I didn’t expect exhibition to be so nice, we spent whole day there and hours at the museum store, books selection was very good. Afterwards we had a walk in Central Park. I enjoyed that day a lot.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sasha (Alexandra) Petina is a New York City-based fashion designer.
Originally from Russia, she studied at Central Saint Martins before moving to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree at Parsons School of Design.
Sasha has worked across various areas of the fashion industry, including menswear, womenswear, and print design.
Drawing has been a part of her life since childhood, which naturally led to her focus on print as a central element of her practice. She enjoys blending different printing techniques with textiles to challenge and expand the concept of imagery on garments.
In creating prints, Sasha embraces a multimedia approach—starting with digital tools like 3D design software and incorporating tactile, real-life textures. Her work stands out for its artistic sensibility and bold, distinctive style.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself was the one I had with my aunt.
She was an artist too—a strong and fearless woman. Every time I saw her, she inspired me to believe in myself and pursue my artistic passions. She gave me a sense of confidence and inner strength that I’ve carried with me throughout the years.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
During my final year of my BA, I struggled with my collection. I felt immense pressure, which led to a lot of procrastination. Three months before graduation, I presented my work during a class critique, and my teacher was very critical. She said I had a lot of potential, but my current work didn’t reflect the quality of my previous projects. I felt ashamed and even considered quitting fashion school.
But the next morning, I showed up at school at 7 a.m. to sketch a new lineup of silhouettes for my collection. When my teacher saw me there so early, she said, “If you came this early, it means you’re ready to fight and change—and I’m proud of you.” Her words deeply impacted me. Since that moment, I’ve become a much more determined person.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that hard work and isolation were the keys to success. But I’ve learned that there must be balance. It’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Spending time with friends and loved ones is just as important, and it can actually boost your productivity more than working non-stop ever could.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop spending my time on the social media and doom scrolling,
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sashapetina.com
- Instagram: sashapetina
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-petina-30164a215/
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