Gosha Rubchinskiy is a young Russian fashion designer, filmmaker and photographer who uses zines, blogs and exhibitions to tell the story of new Russia; which he and his friends are part of. Published in The Livin’ Loud Issue, i-D Online presents Gosha’s full series of images and a poem inspired by his travels.
Since he launched his menswear label in 2008, Rubchinskiy has presented four collections in his native Moscow, where he is championed by Anna Dyulgerova, the creative director of fashion showcase Cycles & Seasons. Gosha’s clothes are inspired by the Muscovite street kids and skaters he’s grown up with and include sportswear inspired sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, scarves and mohair knits. Recruiting local skaters, graffiti artists and street kids as models, Gosha’s installations have included men lifting weights and a catwalk where models took running jumps onto gymnasium bleachers and beyond. Yet it is his gonzo photography of youth – for which he’s increasingly revered – that gives context to his leisurewear; clothes which must be comfortable for boarding in, clubbing or hanging out. “We’re really expecting something new, and really hoping for something new,” Gosha says of the new post-Soviet generation. “It feels like it’s working. I see myself as having the chance to shine light on these people.” Gosha regularly records day-to-day Russian life on film and camera.
I want to know more – how was it before?
Everything is the same, interesting.
I found out what you’re thinking about.
You’re right, you’re wrong.
We think the same way.
Now what?
999 Tsardom is a place in Russia.
A camp of forests and fields.
Walks, workouts on the lake shore, skateboarding in big pools.
Pilgrimage to wooden churches and ancient shrines.
I want Russia to be equal to happiness.
Want to sail down Volga altogether.
Transfiguration. I can see the goal, I want to change, we are changing altogether.
Looking at you, trying to remember so I can repeat.
Water, sports, swimming every day.
Now what?
Beauty is all around, I see it.
Learn more about yourself if you’re not happy with what surrounds you.
Be stronger, grow beauty within yourself.
I like you because we’re different.
I want you to like me, because we are the same.
To discover yourself through your Motherhood.
Travelling.
I want to see every city.
The more you learn about what is out there, the more you understand what is missing.
I want it so much for myself. And I’m sure you’ll like it, too.
Now what?
So little time, so much to do.
Live now. Love now, tomorrow will be too late.
Don’t doubt me.
You’ll feel the power when you need it.
Now what?
You could choose an easy path where it’s not going to be your place.
Make an effort, feel where you need to be and you’ll arrive.
Skateboard.
It’s so wonderful here.
Text and Photography Gosha Rubchinskiy
Translation Anna Dyulgerova
Introduction Dean Mayo Davies
Artwork Aglec
