Furstar: the story of Iryna Stepanova’s brand, combining fashion and ecology

In 2008, the Furstar brand was born. It was founded by the talented Iryna Stepanova. The story of the innovative brand is unusual and interesting. It is a path to success and development based on the life journey of Iryna, her family, and their deep affection for the environment.

Since her early childhood, Iryna has been surrounded by an atmosphere of creativity. Her passion for design was not accidental. To some extent, it is a legacy lovingly handed down to the girl from her mother, grandmother, and sister. Each representative of the female family branch contributed to the development of aesthetics and style. The sense of responsibility and the awareness of the importance of caring for the future of the planet were also passed on from generation to generation. Undoubtedly, this fact had a significant influence on Iryna’s choice.

The origins of the brand

When Iryna turned 20, she began to consciously observe trends in the fashion world. The girl noticed how many people wore fur products. These beautiful things, at first glance, seemed to reflect style and luxury. However, the flamboyant beauty hid the harsh reality behind it. The creation of natural furs has always been inextricably linked to enormous environmental damage.

This realization awakened Iryna’s desire to make changes. The issues of recycling and reusing materials came to the fore. Six years later, at the age of 26, she got her act together and decided to create her brand. It was called Furstar and became a symbol of hope. The brand confidently declared that fur products can get a second life without polluting the planet with a new production cycle.

Furstar philosophy

Furstar is not an ordinary clothing or accessory brand. It is a philosophy expressed in inspiring people to be fashion conscious. The brand aims to demonstrate that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

By using recycled materials, Furstar creates modern, beautiful products that are environmentally friendly. It’s ethical. It’s human. With an eye to the future.

For Iryna, it is important to convey a concept: fashion can and should be conscious. She believes that each of us is capable of making choices in favor of sustainable development. After all, fashion is not just consumption. Variable but ideological, it demonstrates its attitude to the world around it.

Key events in the history of the brand

Since Furstar’s foundation, Iryna Stepanova has actively participated in various exhibitions, competitions, and forums, presenting her collections and sharing her experience.

• 2020: Iryna won the “Designer Roku – 2019” and took 1st place at the annual talent competition “Suzir’ya Talantiv”.
• 2019: The Furstar collection made a sensation at Kharkiv Fashion 2019 and was also presented internationally at Galychyna Fashion. In the same year, Iryna received the Lady Boss Rocku award and the Seal of Quality, one of the most prestigious nominations in Ukraine.
• 2016: Participation in the Miss Luxury Fashion 2016 event, where Iryna took 1st place. The award was presented by the famous politician Gennady Kernes.
• 2014: Winning the Designer Without Borders design competition.
• 2012: Participation in the ecological exhibition “NEW LOOK 2012” in Kharkiv, where Iryna presented her collection of recycled materials.
• 2009: Debut at the prestigious exhibition “Kyiv Fashion 2009”.

Sharing experiences and inspiration

Iryna does not limit herself to creating fashion collections. She actively shares her experience and knowledge with others. The girl realizes that the development of the fashion industry requires joint efforts and the exchange of ideas.

In 2009 she was a leading speaker at a business forum for young talents. Iryna shared her secrets of success, inspiring young designers to realize their plans and ideas. In 2015, together with the famous Italian designer Stella Bastrotuccio, she held a master class for beginners and experienced designers, bringing the accumulated knowledge and skills to new generations of creative people.

In 2020 at the Business Women UA forum, Iryna spoke on the topic “How to achieve success from scratch”. Her story inspired many people and showed that with the right approach and belief in yourself, you can overcome any obstacles. Thanks to such events, we managed to create a full-fledged community of like-minded people. Here everyone can get the support and knowledge they need to achieve their goals.

The Future of Furstar

Today Furstar continues to develop dynamically, expanding its geography and presenting new collections. They continue to arouse interest and admiration.

In 2021 the brand took part in the exhibition festival “SLOWMARKET” held in Kharkiv, once again confirming its commitment to the trends of environmental friendliness and sustainable development. Iryna believes the future of fashion is a conscious approach. Fashion allows you to create beautiful products while helping to protect the planet for future generations.