Shopping Around: Local (Russian) Talent

For 31-year-old, Russian-born designer Masha Osoianu (mashaknits.blogspot.com), the expression “like mother, like daughter” aptly fits. After learning basic sewing skills from her mother, a fashion designer in Moldova, Osoianu moved to the States, spending the next decade honing her craft at Nordstrom and other local design houses. Two years ago, the Magnolia-based Osoianu created her own label of sexy hand-knit tops fit for a night out on the town. Osoianu, who first wowed us as a finalist in this year’s Seamless in Seattle competition, uses light viscose yarn to create dramatic fringe-like draping in her fully silk-lined tops, which have a soft, 1970s vibe with a modern, sophisticated twist. In addition to limited-run collections, Osoianu primarily does custom work, spending anywhere from little longer than one week to three weeks hand-knitting a sweater, or her latest endeavor, a full-length wedding gown. “I have a great clientele of women who are willing to try new things and want to make a statement with their clothing.” And with some of Osoianu’s daring, back-baring designs, a statement they will definitely make.