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Business & Tech

High Fashion Comes to Birmingham with Lyudviga Couture

Russian-born designer unveiled her creations at grand opening Thursday.

Describing herself as having a “sixth sense,” Lyudviga Shneyders said she often creates a sketch of that perfect custom design before her client leaves the initial consultation. “I do it with all my heart,” said Shneyders. “Every piece I make, I put a piece of my heart in it.”

This past Thursday, Shneyders shared her creations at the grand opening of , located at 105 Townsend Street, across from the . Commencing with a ribbon cutting performed by Daniel le Workman of the , representatives from the chamber and , area retailers and other guests enjoyed a fashion show, wine, cheese and dessert. Shneyders’ designs were complemented by jewelry creations, courtesy of .

Shneyders' skills as a fashion designer was nurtured through formal instruction in a Russian school of design. Before graduating in 1986, Shneyders was required to complete a fashion project, taking her original designs from creation through production. After graduating, she worked in the European fashion industry before coming to Denver in 1997 to work as a tailor. For the past three years, Shneyders has been an independent designer, and her Birmingham store is her first. 

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“In my mind, this is all unreal,” said Shneyders.

Shneyders’ designs can be seen draping metro Detroit leaders in politics, business and philanthropy. Benefactor of the Ministrelli Women’s Heart Center at Beaumont Hospital and long-time client, Florine Ministrelli, is an ardent supporter.

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“I highly recommend her,” said Ministrelli. “Lyudviga knows fashion. (Especially) if someone doesn’t know what they want, she would be the best person for them.”

Suitable for the board room, the office or a black tie gala, Shneyders prefers classic lines that are always in style, using the finest in Italian fabric — a favorite of Lyudviga’s is from the house of Valentino. One of her unique creations is what she calls her “liquid dress.” Created using chiffon, the liquid dress has only one seam, flows along the contours of the body and is delicately adorned with a hand-sewn, beaded design.

All of her clothing is created locally, using local vendors and her own in-house tailors, Florinda Mucaj and Alice Pilibosian. Both women have been with Shneyders for a year, coming from families in the Eastern European tailoring business. Mucaj is from Albania and has been in the United States for 14 years; Pilibosian is from Armenia and has been in the United States for more than 20 years. 

“There are many things you should know (as a tailor),” said Pilibosian. “She (Shneyders) taught me a lot.”

Both women said they are happy now that they are able to create new clothes instead of just doing alterations. “I love sewing clothes from start to finish,” said Mucaj. “When I love the fabric, I can do amazing things.”

Within the next five years, Shneyders hopes to be well-recognized internationally, perhaps eclipsing the best. “Versace who?” Shneyders playfully quipped.

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