By Julia Radovich
From suburban childhood memories to global AR installations — designers Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard are building a new language of fashion, one stitch at a time. In this interview for Vanity Teen, we talk about craft, community, comfort, and the quiet power of soft armor.
“We both grew up in small towns. There was nothing to do except art, local sports, and video games. These three things still shape our inspiration today,” Lucile shares.
Indeed, Paolina Russo is a brand where the digital and the handmade meet. Every collection feels like a quest — driven not by trends, but by touch, memory, and emotion.
Soft Warrior Energy
“We often describe our muse as a soft warrior,” they explain. “She’s on a journey, building her world — wrapped in digital graphics, crochet, memory and protection. Her clothes are her armor, but one made of comfort and craft.”
Their studio team is made entirely of women. Not as a statement — but as a natural extension of how they work: through body-centered design, feedback, and lived experience.
“We all try things on, we all give input. It’s an ongoing dialogue.
That’s how the silhouette takes shape.”
Craft as Healing
Each season, the brand picks one traditional craft as its guiding theme – from collage art to wood carving to quilting.
“For us, it’s not about high fashion. It’s about memory. The kinds of crafts we all did as kids – there’s something magical in that. We love when people look at a piece and feel like they know it already.”
Knitwear is especially central – it allows them to create fabric from scratch. For one collection, they even produced their own yarn in Northern England, working with natural wool and plant-based dye.
Technology as Ritual
In a recent capsule launch at Dover Street Market London, the duo debuted an AR installation that allowed visitors to virtually try on garments.
“We’re excited by the idea of experience. If you can try something on digitally before it’s even produced – that’s one way to reduce overproduction. It’s slow, intentional fashion.”
In the future, they hope to bring that same AR experience to their website — so anyone, anywhere, can explore their pieces.
Most Personal Pieces
“In this collection, there’s a pink long-sleeve dress. When I saw our model Hannah in it, with her pink hair, I just thought — that’s me in high school,” says Paolina.
Lucile’s favorite is a pair of violet laser-etched pants, deeply rooted in memory and emotion. “Violet is a color of hope – and also very Y2K. It feels nostalgic and empowering at the same time.”
Production as Collaboration
Their production process mirrors their ethos: natural fibers, no excess trimmings, laser detailing to reduce waste, and factories that reuse water seasonally.
“If you plant our pieces in your garden, they’ll turn into compost. Carrots might grow. Seriously.”
And the Future?
“Fashion isn’t about trends. It’s about community. It’s that moment when you walk into a room and spot someone in a piece – and I you know they’re part of your world.”
Q&A: In Their Own Words
How did Paolina Russo come to life?
Lucile: We both grew up in quiet towns. Art, sports, and video games were our world. That energy still defines us.
What makes your brand unique?
Paolina: We don’t sketch – we build looks physically. We start with clothes, fabric, memory. Everything is 3D and sensory.
How does a female perspective shape your work?
Lucile: Our studio is diverse, our bodies are different. We create by listening to each other — it’s design through honesty.
What’s inspiring you right now?
Paolina: Quilting, collage, textiles – and good weather! Spring always makes you feel hopeful.
What’s next for the brand?
Lucile: Bringing AR to our website, new capsules, and more collaborations. And hopefully, showing in Paris soon.
The collection will be available from August-September at Dover Street Market, Nordstrom, and selected retailers in Japan, China, and Korea.
Fashion evolves. But what remains is connection – between past and future, softness and strength. That’s what Paolina Russo is about.
Maybe, among all the trends and tech, the most powerful thing is to simply hear yourself. And then – find the clothes that feel like home.
