Erena Chebes
Couture Designer
By Rodney Wayne Branche Copa Style Magazine Publisher/CEO Copa: Where are you from?
Erena: I was born in a small town in Russia but from the moment I finished high school I already knew I wanted to be an actress, so I decided to move to Moscow. Copa: What schools have you attended?
Erena: I went to the Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute. It was very exciting for me but in the first year of my experience, I start to feel that my attention was always on what and how everyone was dressed. I was already sewing and designing clothes for friends and family so I guess my calling was always fashion, and that it was pulling me back to it. It didn't take long for me to drop out of that college and attend a college meant for fashion, where I learned a lot of haute couture technique. When I finished this I took classes at the Laboratory of Vyacheslav Zaitsev. I continued my education through a lot of courses through my life and even after I moved to the United States. I still enjoy learning and looking for new things. 
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Copa: What were some of your earliest experiences in clothing design?
Erena: I've done so many projects in Europe. Many fashion spectacles, designing clothes for dancers, putting on my own fashion dance spectacles, this was all many years ago. However when I moved to the United States I continued doing fashion shows in New York and Philadelphia as well as creating my own lines. Copa: What is your personal philosophy to fashion and style?
Erena: I am a fashion designer who always changes direction with my ideas and images. I love to work with different styles, I also sometimes like to create artistic pieces that bring a story to the viewers. Copa: Who are your favorite designers?
Erena: My favorite designers are John Galliano, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, and Alexander McQueen. I always watch and look back at their creations. They inspire me a lot and it would be my dream to work with such companies and teams. |
Photography by Don Pittman
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Copa: How do feel about living and working in New York City?
Erena: I love New York! A lot of the fashion industry is here. You need to be very sharp and unique, which is wonderful and makes me feel more alive. The fashion shows in New York give everyone opportunity and open doors for the future.
Erena: I love New York! A lot of the fashion industry is here. You need to be very sharp and unique, which is wonderful and makes me feel more alive. The fashion shows in New York give everyone opportunity and open doors for the future.
 Jenise Davis
Copa: We see that you have designed a special piece for Jenise Davis that will be featured in a show during New York Fashion Week. Please tell us about it.
Erena: I have a fashion spectacle coming up in New York, and I am very honored to have Jenise Davis as one of my gorgeous models. She will be like one of the pearls in my collection. I created something special for her that is very haute couture. I call it "Jenise In Red". The design she represents has a lot of hours put into beading and includes beautiful faux fur. I strongly believe that Jenise Davis will be at the top in fashion. Shes a very talented and unique woman, with a lot of potential in modeling. She should work with top designers! Its such a pleasure to work with her myself. She has a big heart and a warm personality, Im very happy to have such a fabulous girl in my team. |
Erena's special creation for Jenise for her show during NYFW
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For more information about Erena Chebes:
https://www.chebes.com/
~Copa