Alexandra Hutsol

Alexandra Hutsol is the fashion designer behind TERRACOTA, a brand that brings together the talents of her parents, grandparents, and many generations before her. In her work lives a deep family heritage — sewing, drawing, form, patience, and a love for creating clothing by hand.

At just 5 years old, Alexandra said, “I want to be a designer.”
Now she is 7, and she knows exactly what she wants. Her dream is clear and strong, and her entire family supports her, helping her step by step to turn that dream into reality.

The story of TERRACOTA is a story of family — where talent is passed from generation to generation, where design is born from tradition, craftsmanship, and belief in a dream. Alexandra continues this journey, connecting the past, the present, and the future in every creation.

Alexandra&Maria

Alexandra and her mother, Maria, represent the bridge between heritage and modern creativity. Maria was born in 1992. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a designer, but at that time clothing design was not a popular or supported path. Instead, Maria chose to study graphic design, developing strong artistic and visual skills that would later shape her creative world.

Her background in art and design created a beautiful environment for Alexandra to grow up in — a space filled with aesthetics, creativity, and self-expression. Alexandra was surrounded by design, wearing thoughtfully created clothes and learning to draw at a professional level from an early age.

Maria also knew how to sew, continuing the family tradition. After moving to Darwin, Australia, she put these skills into practice by designing and producing uniforms. She created complete uniform collections and developed designs for government departments and organizations, including sectors such as Power Water services, Top and Region, as well as political organizations, including the CLP party.

Through Maria’s example, Alexandra learned that design is not only about beauty, but also about function, responsibility, and identity. Creativity, discipline, and craftsmanship came together in everyday life, shaping Alexandra’s understanding of design as a powerful tool — one that carries history, meaning, and purpose.

Maria&Kseniya

Alexandra’s mother and grandmother, Maria and Kseniya, represent a new chapter in the family’s creative heritage. Kseniya was born in 1970, growing up in a world shaped by the Soviet Union. In 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed, life changed dramatically once again. Resources were scarce, and people returned to old traditions — remembering how to create, repair, and sew clothing for themselves.

Kseniya knew how to sew well. She had completed a special course in sewing and garment construction, and her skill became essential during those uncertain years. Using the popular BURDA fashion magazines, she created clothing for herself and for her little daughter, Maria. Patterns were carefully chosen, fabrics thoughtfully reused, and every garment was made with care and intention.

She even sewed clothes for Maria’s Barbie dolls — tiny dresses and outfits that carried the same attention to detail as real garments. It was in these moments that design quietly became a dream. Little Maria watched her mother sew, fascinated by the movement of the needle, the transformation of fabric, and the magic of creation. She helped in every way she could, absorbing the process with curiosity and joy.

What began as necessity became inspiration. Through her mother’s hands, Maria learned that clothing could be more than something to wear — it could be a form of expression, creativity, and love. This quiet inheritance would later shape the designer’s vision, carrying forward a family tradition rooted in resilience, craftsmanship, and imagination.

Vyacheslav&Nina

Alexandra’s great-grandparents, Vyacheslav and Nina, were people of quiet determination and practical skill. Vyacheslav learned to stitch during his time in the army, where precision and patience were part of survival. Nina, his wife, learned to sew from her mother, carrying on the traditions of her family with care and skill.

In those days, clothing was not something you could simply buy at a store — markets offered few ready-made garments, and resources were limited. People had to make clothes for themselves and their families. For Vyacheslav and Nina, stitching and sewing were not just skills, but essential tools for daily life. Each piece they made carried effort, care, and the desire to provide for those they loved.

Together, they built a life grounded in craftsmanship, resilience, and resourcefulness. Their skills were passed down through the generations, quietly shaping the values of creativity, patience, and self-reliance that continue in Alexandra’s designs today.

This story is more than a family history — it is a reminder of a time when making something by hand was a necessity, a labor of love, and a mark of strength.

Apolinaria

Alexandra’s great-great-grandmother, Apolinaria, was a woman of quiet strength and remarkable talent. After the Second World War, when borders shifted and lives were broken apart, Apolinaria began a new chapter in Ukraine, on territory that had once been part of Poland. Like many women of her generation, she carried loss, displacement, and uncertainty — but also resilience.

With little more than her hands, her gift for stitching, and her trusted Singer sewing machine that she brought with her from home, Apolinaria found a way to rebuild. Sewing was not only a skill; it was her language. Through fabric, thread, and careful detail, she created beauty in a time when beauty felt scarce.

She made clothing for her family and community — garments that carried warmth, dignity, and care. Each stitch became an act of survival, each piece a step toward stability. Her talent helped her support those around her and build a new life after war, grounded in craftsmanship and purpose.

Apolinaria’s work was rooted in tradition, patience, and love — values passed quietly from generation to generation. Today, her legacy lives on through Alexandra’s designs, honoring the women who created not for recognition, but for life itself.

This story is not only about fashion. It is about heritage, resilience, and the power of handmade beauty to heal and endure.