PurPur Fashions, founded by Russian designer Kate Musina, has carved a distinct space within both the Australian and Russian alternative fashion scenes. Known for its bold designs and unique approach, PurPur offers a blend of ready-to-wear and custom-made pieces, catering to a diverse clientele that includes goths, fetish enthusiasts, and anyone searching for something truly original. Based in Melbourne, Australia, PurPur is a fashion studio that pushes boundaries and explores new creative territories.
Kate Musina’s designs are a reflection of her creative versatility. Her collections draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Soviet science fiction literature, 1930s military propaganda, and neo-Victorian aesthetics. These designs are crafted using an array of materials, such as PVC, leather, cotton, and vinyl, allowing for a rich texture and depth in every piece. One of the key aspects of PurPur is the custom aspect—Kate thrives on creating one-of-a-kind designs for musicians, actors, and artists, ensuring that each garment is both unique and personal. Her limited-edition collections are crafted in small quantities, keeping her work fresh and evolving.
Kate’s designs are distinguished by their use of dark, rich colors, creating a visually striking expression of her emotions and personal history. Her attention to detail is evident, as she challenges conventional norms and creates pieces that speak to the wearer’s individuality. PurPur’s creations are not meant for those who seek to blend in; rather, they are for those who dare to stand out, whether it’s for a night out at a club, a concert, or even as an everyday statement. The brand appeals to a variety of tastes, from post-apocalyptic punk fans to uniform enthusiasts, offering something for anyone who appreciates bold, darkly imaginative fashion.
Kate sees her work as a reflection of concepts and emotions rather than just clothing. Every design is infused with an intellectual backdrop, not just a visual appeal. She aims to evoke a shift in mood for the wearer, making them feel differently from their everyday emotions. For Kate, fashion is a medium to express her deeper thoughts and ideas to the world.
Creating a new collection for PurPur typically takes about two months, from initial design and development to promotion and photography. However, when inspiration strikes, Kate can craft an entire design in a single night. The process is deeply passionate for her; she often prepares by resting before diving into research and working tirelessly for 24 hours straight to bring the idea to life. While she doesn’t spend much time sketching, she prefers to start working directly with the materials, shaping the concept physically before moving onto pattern drafting and sampling.
Before dedicating herself fully to PurPur, Kate had a completely different career path. She graduated with honors from law school in Russia and worked as a lawyer’s assistant. However, her love for dressmaking eventually led her to leave the legal field and pursue fashion. As a self-taught seamstress, Kate began designing clothes for herself at the age of 18, initially creating outfits for clubbing and parties. Her talent quickly caught the attention of friends, and what started as a part-time hobby soon blossomed into a full-fledged business.
PurPur’s rise to prominence was aided by Kate’s ability to network within alternative subcultures, where musicians, fetish models, and public figures supported her work through word of mouth. In Russia, she became a well-known figure in alternative fashion, appearing on television and gaining recognition for her unique and edgy designs.
Now based in Melbourne, Kate continues to expand her reach globally. She has recently enrolled in the British Higher School of Art and Design to further refine her skills and broaden her business. Despite being based in Australia, PurPur has a loyal following in Russia and Europe, and Kate is committed to growing her brand, working with shops and clients to continuously evolve her collections.
Throughout her career, Kate has learned invaluable lessons, many of which came through trial and error. She acknowledges the mistakes she made early on as crucial learning experiences that have shaped her growth as both an artist and a business owner. Each misstep has served as a stepping stone, allowing her to refine her craft and move forward with confidence.
PurPur’s ready-to-wear collections are now available in select Australian boutiques, including VnV in Melbourne, Gallery Serpentine in Sydney, and Mame Clothing in Perth. Additionally, Kate’s custom pieces are available for order online. For those in the U.K., PurPur will also be showcasing at the London Edge show, alongside Gallery Serpentine, bringing her vision to an even broader audience.
Kate Musina’s PurPur is more than just a fashion brand—it’s a statement. With a dedication to creativity, individuality, and emotional expression, PurPur continues to be a powerful force in the alternative fashion world, offering designs that are as unique and bold as the people who wear them.
