Ukrainian designer Alina Ratii is the founder of the clothing brand AIA, established five years ago. A graduate of Istituto Marangoni Miami, she began her career at Fashion TV, where she gained insight into how fashion and storytelling connect. After that experience, she wanted to create something of her own — and that’s how AIA was born.
The brand focuses on clean design, natural fabrics, and thoughtful construction. Unlike fast fashion, AIA promotes slow production, timeless silhouettes, and clothes that reflect authenticity and confidence. In this interview, L’Officiel Monaco speaks with Alina about her creative process, the philosophy behind AIA, and her view of modern femininity.
Alina, for those discovering you for the first time — what drove you to launch AIA, and what sets it apart in today’s fashion landscape?
AR: I wanted to create clothing that doesn’t shout for attention, but naturally draws you in. Something that allows a woman to feel herself — powerful, refined, natural. Not a costume, not armor, but an extension of who she already is. Too often, fashion tells women who to be. I wanted to create pieces that listen instead.
You describe your work as “intellectual architecture.” What does that mean for you?
AR: For me, every collection is a system of ideas, not just a set of looks. Every proportion and angle has intention. I think about strength that doesn’t imitate masculinity and elegance that doesn’t mean fragility. The clothes act as a bridge between a woman’s inner world and how she presents herself. It’s architecture with emotion — thoughtful, structured, and alive.
There’s a recurring motif of elements in your work — water, fire, air, and earth. How does this translate into actual design?
AR: It’s more about feeling than symbols. Water shows up in the soft shapes and the way fabrics move — they flow like liquid. Fire appears in accent details that challenge the expected, creating tension. Air is about freedom of movement — nothing restrictive. And earth provides the foundation: considered cuts, quality materials, ideas that hold their shape. These elements aren’t something you see directly, you just sense them.
In 2023, AIA received the prestigious “Quality Mark” award. What did that recognition mean for the brand?
AR: It confirmed that quality still matters. The award recognized our focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and original design. It wasn’t about following trends — it was about staying true to our values. We were honored with a diploma and a trophy, which felt like acknowledgement of years of dedicated work from the whole team.
You’re uncompromising about natural fabrics. Why is that so important to you?
AR: Because everything starts with the fabric. At Marangoni, I learned how much material defines a garment’s energy. Synthetic fabrics can look good, but they don’t feel right on the skin. Natural fibers breathe, move, and age beautifully. They react to your body — they feel alive. Choosing materials is a calm, thoughtful process for me. I look for fabrics with character, not just good quality on paper. When you wear real linen or heavy silk, your body feels the difference, even if you can’t explain why. That feeling is what I design for.
Your attention to detail is extraordinary — hand embroidery, asymmetric seams, subtle hardware. What role do these elements play?
AR: Details are where the magic happens. They add depth and personality. A distinctive shoulder line, an unexpected seam, or hardware you want to look at closely — these aren’t random decorations. They’re there to capture individuality, reflect emotion, and give the piece its own character.
You recently spoke at several international fashion events, including collaborations with Andre Tan and Wtech. What were those experiences like?
AR: They were meaningful milestones for me and for the brand. In 2025, I became a partner at Andre Tan’s Fashion Dinner in New York and a speaker at Wtech Global Women Expo: Business & Fashion in Miami. These events opened new conversations about how fashion can support women rather than pressure them. I spoke about feminine energy and balance — ideas that are central to AIA.
“Fashion isn’t about trends. It’s about how you feel inside. Style begins within,” I said on stage. It felt good to see that message resonate with people who shape the industry.
AIA is preparing for international expansion. What does that journey look like?
AR: We’re expanding step by step — small pop-ups in Europe, participation in shows, and collaborations with stores that understand our approach. No rush, no big statements. We just want to grow naturally and stay true to what we do. This year, I also joined the Expert Council and Jury of the National Quality Mark Award in the U.S., which allows me to contribute to industry development from another perspective.
Who is the AIA woman?
AR: She’s not a muse — she’s the main character of her story. She’s curious, strong, emotional, and free. She doesn’t hide behind clothes, she expresses herself through them. AIA exists to support that — to give form to her energy, not to decorate her.
What inspires you most as a designer?
AR: I’m not inspired by an image of woman, but by her state of being. Her inner fire. When I see a woman fully present in herself, that’s what moves me. And if my clothing helps her feel that, even slightly, then I know I’m exactly where I should be. Fashion, at its best, isn’t about transformation. It’s about revelation.
Credits
Photographer – Slava Lyzhov @slavik_lyzhov
Makeup Artist – Dosha Moor @dosha_moor
Light Assist/ gaffer – Lisa Kuznetsova @lisakuznetsova
Brands
Black dress – ALAIA @maisonalaia
Suit, Tie, Shoes – YSL @ysl
Bracelets – BVLGARI @bvlgari
Earrings – Van Cleef & Arpels @vancleefarpels