User:Malena Fialka

Temna Fialka

Temna Fialka – A Canadian line designed and produced in Edmonton, Alberta by Natasha Lazarovic in 2000.

Born in August of 1981 to parents Dennis Radyk and Pennelope Lazarovic, Natasha spent her youth finely immersed in the Canadian Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Community. Her father’s family originally immigrated from a mid size village called “Barnia Berazul” in the Hutzul reigon of the Carpathian Mountains bordering Romania and Ukraine.

From the age of two Natasha was taught how to dance – in both Ballet and Ukrainian – and how to play the Violin, which she later changed over to the Viola. Musical Theatre, Opera and the literature were instilled in her throughout her up bringing and became a very diverse part of her life in her older years. Musical training was an essential part of her family’s cultural traditions – as each family member is well versed in at least one stringed instrument.

Natasha started designing and selling her own garments at a local shop on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta in 2000. Previous to her employment there, she would watch her mother sew late into the night – creating everything from Christmas dresses to Halloween Costumes. Natasha started by cutting up blankets and taking apart already sewn pieces in order to understand their construction. With no formal seamstress classes, Natasha was completely self taught by trial and error over the years. Her formal education came in her later years when she enrolled in night classes to learn how to draft patterns to European standards.

Natasha became interested in designing leatherwork and accessories shortly after her first few pieces sold. Due to a high demand for matching accessories, she found that little complimented her style of work and began creating her own. Leatherwork became a favorite medium for her – and created everything from wristbands, books to corsetry.

Two lines are produced under the Temna Fialka label. One an eccentric collection inspired by the dense cultured reigons of the Carpathian Mountains – its folklore and inhabitants. Colorful, creative, vast in the chosen mediums and endless in it’s detailing, the elements of its presentation are unmistakable.

The second is more romantic gypsy influenced runway line. Tailored more towards everyday wear, this flowing and completely individual line is never duplicated in its fabrics. Natasha picks unique imported material bought at local markets in cultural area’s and second hand stores for these pieces. Allowing the fabric to inspire the garmet, draping has become a favorite form of designing for her.

'“An eccentric local designer who specializes in custom Easter European inspired pieces. As each piece is an entity of its own, they are never duplicated as not to loses the individuality and essence of the original piece.

The mediums are vast and detailing the core of Natasha’s work. Using only authentic and raw materials, Natasha produces only that in it’s highest quality. Skilled in leather work and design, jewellery and the usual mediums, Natasha produces two lines - one elaborate and profound, the other tailored to high end European Runway Fashion. Both exceptionally detailed and memorable.”'