Passion and Precision with Irina Rostovtseva

March 17, 2025

For Irina Rostovtseva, fashion illustration is more than just an art form - it’s a lifelong pursuit of creativity and self-expression. Recognised as one of the Top 10 artists in the IFIW 2025 Top 100 Fashion Portraits Prize, she continues to carve her path in the world of art with a distinctive approach that blends tradition with spontaneity.

A devoted follower of FIDA, Irina discovered the TOP 100 Fashion Portraits Prize through Instagram. “I felt a spark of excitement when I came across it,” she shares. With only a few days left before the deadline, she made a spontaneous decision to submit her work. “The challenge intrigued me, and I thought it would be a great experience.” That leap of faith paid off, earning her a place in the Top 10 of the Top 100. “Receiving the news was a delightful surprise,” she says. “But when I found out I had made it into the Top 10, my joy was absolutely overwhelming! It felt like a significant recognition of my efforts.”

This isn’t Irina’s first time competing - she has participated in several contests over the years and even secured a few victories. Though she had previously entered the FIDA Awards without success, she remained determined. "Fast forward ten years, and here I am, proudly celebrating my place in the Top 10," she reflects.

Irina’s love for art dates back to childhood, but it wasn’t until ten years ago that she made the conscious decision to dedicate herself fully to fashion illustration. “Drawing has always been my passion,” she explains. “I realised I needed to embrace what I love most and turn it into my life’s work.” What once started as a personal pursuit gradually became a full-time profession. “For a long time, my creative pursuits were more of a passion project, often sidelined by my main job. But when the opportunity arose to become a fashion illustrator, I jumped at the chance to delve into my artistic dream full-time.”

Inspiration is everywhere for Irina. “I find it essential to surround myself with beauty, uniqueness, and quality,” she says. “I actively create an environment that inspires me, which I consider to be a large puzzle composed of intricate pieces. This is where my creative energy thrives.”

Her creative process is as meticulous as it is intuitive. “I kick off my creative process by setting the right mood - think of a hearty breakfast, donning something beautiful, a spritz of my favourite perfume, and some uplifting music,” she explains. “Once I start, I immerse myself in the tactile experience of paper and my chosen tools: hot-pressed watercolour paper, Faber-Castell pencils, and watercolour. Sometimes, I might layer on gouache or pastel pencils as the work unfolds. I thrive on improvisation, never truly knowing how the piece will evolve until it begins to breathe and reveal itself to me.”

With her recent recognition, Irina is already setting her sights on the future. “Having already showcased my work at various exhibitions, I’m eager to take the next leap - seeking publication in prestigious magazines like Vogue, Elle, or Harper’s Bazaar,” she shares. “Collaborating with renowned fashion houses is also a significant aspiration of mine, and I am determined to pursue these goals with passion and dedication.”

As Irina continues to refine her craft, she seamlessly combines time-honoured techniques with her unique artistic approach, bringing fresh perspectives to fashion illustration. Her journey is far from over, and with her artistic vision and determination, there is no doubt that Irina's next chapter will be just as inspiring.