Celebrating Creativity and Resilience: An Interview with Evgeniya Menassa

At Bookazine, we are excited to shine a light on the inspiring stories behind our diverse collection of products. One such story is that of Evgeniya Menassa, whose vibrant fashion design kits have captured our hearts and those of our customers. Evgeniya's infectious enthusiasm and passion for her craft are evident each time she visits us at Bookazine. In honor of International Women’s Day, we are thrilled to feature her journey. 

Hello Evgeniya! We’re delighted to have you here with us today to answer some of our questions.

I was born in the far east of Russia in 1984. My love for fashion blossomed at a very young age; at six, I received my first children’s sewing machine. I spent my childhood redesigning my mother’s clothes and crafting outfits for my dolls from paper, which taught me that fabric can hold memories and stories. Those early experiences instilled a curiosity that led me to a lifelong passion for creativity. Today, I’m proud to pass on my knowledge and love of sewing to my students, many of whom have gone on to build successful careers in fashion.

I earned my Master’s degree in Garment Engineering from Amur State University, followed by advanced studies in pattern-making at Donghua University in Shanghai. This education provided both technical rigor and a passion for experimentation. I learned garment construction and textiles, which allows me to guide a team effectively. My exposure to Shanghai’s cutting-edge techniques and cultural storytelling through clothing broadened my perspective immensely.

I believe I heard you used to work in the circus. Is that correct? Please tell us more about that experience.  

Yes! After an unsuccessful ballet casting, my mother encouraged me to try out for the Russian circus. As a young acrobat, I trained and toured extensively. This experience cultivated resourcefulness; we crafted costumes from old sheets and tablecloths, transforming simple materials into spectacular pieces. The do-it-yourself spirit from my circus days now influences every garment I create and ingrains a strong belief that life is full of possibilities if you dare to chase them.

An injury at 14 forced me to stop performing, a heartbreaking moment that redirected my focus to sewing. I began taking after-school fashion classes and adapted my performance instincts to a more structured creative path. This transition required patience and technical skill development, but it ultimately became a strength, bolstered by my background in costume design.

I first performed in China at age 12, and I never imagined my journey would lead me to raise my family in Asia. After some time in Shanghai’s garment industry, my family moved to Hong Kong in 2008. The city’s energy and cultural fusion inspired me creatively, offering a fertile ground for my ideas.

Culture plays a significant role. Growing up near the China-Russia border and traveling to China shaped my aesthetic and approach. I incorporate Asian motifs and create handmade jewelry and accessories that honor traditional craftsmanship and are wearable today.

I started Elissandro in 2013 while living in Hong Kong and raising my children. Friends asked me to teach them how to sew in my home studio, and I saw their excitement bloom. The name Elissandro comes from my children’s names—Elissa and Alessandro. What began as a hobby quickly transformed into a mission to mentor aspiring designers and help children explore their creativity in a supportive environment.

Witnessing transformation is the most gratifying aspect. Seeing students evolve from being unsure of a needle to confidently building their collections is incredibly rewarding. I cherish watching children improve their focus and skills, and witnessing their joy when they complete a project is priceless.

For me, sustainability is about creating garments that last in both construction and style. Through my classes, I educate students about mindful consumption, the importance of maintenance, and the implications of fast fashion. I encourage them to redesign and repurpose clothes while appreciating craftsmanship and our responsibility to the planet.

I developed my DIY fashion kits in 2023 during a challenging period when I was battling cancer. With my teaching limited, I wanted to create something meaningful and accessible without my direct guidance. Each kit combines 13 years of teaching experience with over 30 years of sewing expertise. They provide a creative gateway for children to learn fundamental design skills and foster their confidence in garment creation.

I hope to expand my teaching programs and build a talented team to collaborate with schools across Asia. Currently, I run after-school clubs at a few international schools in Hong Kong, and I aspire to make DIY kits widely available so more children can experience the joy of fashion design at home. Ultimately, I want to empower more individuals to discover their creative potential.

Thank you, Evgeniya Menassa, for taking the time from your busy schedule to answer our questions and share your story with our readers.

You can find her exceptional fashion kits available online and in bookstores, encouraging the next generation of designers to explore the world of creativity.