Tell us a little about yourself and your journey into the worlds of art and fashion and how you ended up in Malta.

I first came to Malta in 2017 to study English, but my journey into fashion had begun long before that. After university I studied tailoring, started my career in an atelier, and later worked in the textile industry. In 2020, I launched my first collection in Malta which had by then become my home and the place where my experience in fashion, skill and creativity would take on a new shape. I am now engaged to Simon Manduca and we shall be getting married next year.

How did the idea for The Drawing Room first come about?

The idea grew very naturally from conversations with Simon. We discovered that we were both drawn to the idea of opening a gallery that was not only about art, but about living with beauty - a space where art and fashion could meet, speak to each other, and create an atmosphere.

Was there a particular moment when you realised this conversation over wine might become a real business?

That moment happened in our garden, over a glass of champagne, with Kenneth Zammit Tabone, Prof. Charlene Vella, Simon and myself all brainstorming names for the gallery. It began as a conversation, but there was a spark in the air - the kind of moment when an idea suddenly feels possible.

What makes The Drawing Room different from other galleries on the island?

The Drawing Room is not a conventional white-cube gallery. It brings together art and fashion in one intimate setting, which gives visitors a different kind of experience - one that feels personal, layered and alive.

Our range of art is also unique: contemporary pieces, antique works, art directly from artists, and works from private collections. That mix creates a sense of discovery - you never quite know what story you will encounter next.

The space itself sounds very special. Could you describe it for readers who have not yet visited?

The space has a character of its own. It is set in a building more than 200 years old, in one of Sliema's most elegant areas, and it even has an internal hidden garden. There is a sense of history, privacy and intrigue - exactly the feeling we wanted visitors to experience.

Why did you choose to combine a classical gallery atmosphere with contemporary art?

Because contrast is exciting. I like the dialogue between old and new - a classical atmosphere can make contemporary work feel even more striking, while contemporary art brings fresh energy into a historic space.

How do you go about selecting the artists and artworks you exhibit?

The first question is always emotional: do we connect with the work? After that, we look for intention - a message, a story, or a feeling the artist wants to communicate. For us, the artwork has to create a conversation with the viewer.

You showcase both established artists and emerging talent. Why is that balance important to you?

That balance keeps the gallery alive. Established artists and photographers have a distinctive venue in which to exhibit their works, while newer, sometimes undiscovered talents have a workable space to exhibit for the first time. We want our clientele to encounter a wide range of voices, from established names to fresh discoveries. A gallery should be a place where people can fall in love with something unexpected.

What qualities do you look for in a new artist?

Passion, above all. Technique matters, of course, but I am most interested in artists who have something to say and the courage to say it in their own language.

Are there any artists currently exhibiting whose work you are particularly excited about?

Yes - we are very excited about a new artist with Asian roots, whose exhibition is scheduled for October. She and her husband are also passionate about craft cheese and other artisanal products, so the event will be more than an exhibition: it will combine art, tasting, wine and music. That is exactly the kind of sensory, welcoming experience we want The Drawing Room to offer. We have other exciting exhibitions scheduled for later in the year.

You also display works from private collections. What added dimension does this bring to the gallery?

It adds a sense of rarity and privilege. Some of these works are being shown to the public for the first time, so visitors are not only viewing art; they are entering into stories that have previously belonged to private homes and personal collections.

You have spent many years in fashion and describe fashion as a form of art. Can you expand on that idea?

I strongly believe fashion is another form of art. When a woman wears the right fabric, colour, cut and shape, the result can be as moving as a painting. For me, good clothes are not only about appearance; they are about confidence, proportion, movement and pleasure.

How do art and fashion influence each other in your work?

They complement each other constantly. Art can inspire a colour palette, a silhouette, or a mood; fashion can make art feel more immediate and human. Both are ways of expressing taste, identity and imagination. What we are wearing is a form of intimate communication, a way of expressing our inner lives.

What can clients expect from your bespoke fashion pieces?

It all begins with desire: a client imagines a dress, blouse, skirt, jacket or another special piece. From there, we can either alter a ready-made garment or create something bespoke. In that case, we guide the client through fabric, style and fit, combining their preferences with our experience in tailoring and design.

The result should feel personal, elegant and beautifully made.

Quality, craftsmanship and a professional eye for detail are at the heart of the process.

Can you tell us more about your plans for a ready-to-wear silk collection and future fashion show?

I am currently working on a ready-to-wear collection of versatile pieces made from silk, with accents of French lace and elements inspired by Maltese lace. We plan to have a fashion show in The Drawing Room showcasing this collection in the near future.

You speak of creating a space that brings together art, fashion, music, wine and good company. Why is this combination important?

Art, fashion, music, wine and good company create an atmosphere of connection, indulgence and pleasure, while encouraging conversations about the things we love.

What kind of atmosphere are you hoping visitors will experience when they walk through the door?

I hope they feel curiosity first, then comfort. I want people to feel they have stepped into a private world - elegant but not intimidating, refined but warm, with something beautiful waiting in every corner.

How important is community-building to your vision for the gallery?

It is crucially important. A gallery becomes meaningful when people feel part of it - artists, collectors, visitors, friends and curious newcomers. We want The Drawing Room to become a meeting point for people who share a love of beauty, conversation and discovery.

What can guests expect from your planned exhibitions and private evenings by the fire?

They can expect champagne-fuelled conversation, warmth and surprise.

We enjoy entertaining, and we want to create events where our guests can discover something new - an artist, a flavour, a piece of music, or simply an unexpected conversation by the fire.

As someone with international roots, how do you view Malta's cultural and artistic scene?

Malta may be a small island, especially compared with the huge stretch of land I come from, Russia, but its cultural life is surprisingly rich. There is music, art, history and an international energy here. The island has a way of bringing people together very quickly.

What role do you hope The Drawing Room will play in that scene?

I hope the Drawing Room will continue to enrich Malta's cultural scene by offering something fresh and different. We have had several very well-attended successful events and hope to have many more.

What challenges have you faced in launching a new gallery?

There are always practical challenges when launching something new - finding the right artists, building trust, and even solving unexpected details such as custom-made boxes for wrapping and shipping paintings abroad. So, if any excellent packaging companies are reading this, please contact us.

Where would you like to see The Drawing Room in five years' time?

In five years, I would love The Drawing Room to be an established gallery with a strong reputation, and also a well-known fashion studio - a place people immediately associate with quality and originality.

What are your dreams for this new journey?

To build something that is both beautiful and sustainable, creatively and commercially.

Of course, every business needs to succeed, but the real dream is to create a place with a soul, where art, fashion and people can continue to meet for years to come.