To couture wedding dress and coat designer Maria Kolomoiets, there’s perhaps no sweeter music than the hum of her mother’s sewing machine. “I used to fall asleep and wake up to the sound,” the Dnipro, Ukraine-based owner of Sumarokova Atelier muses. “She’s been a professional tailor for 30 years, and when I was a child her workspace was right in my bedroom.”
With the help of her mother, Alla’s, instruction, Maria sewed her first coat at the age of five—a custom piece for her doll that she fondly recalls as “a disaster”—after which Maria opted to pour her creative energy into music. “I began my professional education in violin and piano when I was seven,” Maria says. “My mother would sew while I played, and I would play while she sewed.”
Explore the Sumarokova Atelier collection
But even as Maria grew up to become a musician, her mom’s enthusiasm for flawless tailoring had been permanently stitched into her subconscious. In 2015, feeling frustrated by the lack of high-quality outerwear options in stores, Maria decided to take needle and thread into her own hands and start designing. “I took all the money I had, bought some fabrics to make the first few samples, and opened my Etsy shop,” Maria recalls. “My mom helped me a lot; she supported my idea, and together we worked on incoming orders.”
Today, Maria and Alla have once again found harmony working side by side, sewing Maria’s bespoke line of chic coats and ethereal wedding gowns. Known for their impeccable silhouettes and fine fabrics, the duo hand-tailors each order to the client’s specifications, giving them precisely what mother and daughter have: a perfect fit.
Read on to learn more about how Maria and her mother found their rhythm running a small business, and shop the Sumarokova Atelier collection.
How did your mother’s instruction impact the way you approach making clothes?
My mother gave me my first education in tailoring, and I don’t think anyone could know the trade better. She can do the most impossible things with her hands. When I draw up a sketch for a new style of dress or coat, I consult with her about how good my ideas are in terms of comfort and wear. She has wonderful insights from all her years of sewing, and we discuss every detail. Then we make a test sample using different fabric textures and select the one that gives us the highest quality result.
Is it ever challenging to be in business with someone you’re so close to?
I’m lucky because we have a wonderful relationship. We respect each other’s ideas and personal space, and she always supports me and my decisions. That said, of course there will always be moments that get heated at work, but we try to remember that we are first and foremost a mother and daughter.
How did you arrive at the unique combination of selling both outerwear and wedding dresses?
I was teaching music and at the same time trying to develop my atelier, and my mother was tailoring for her Ukrainian clients. At first, I was focused only on outerwear; the desire to make wedding dresses came later, when I was searching for a dress for my own wedding. I didn’t care for the fabrics and patterns that the market offered, and I was underwhelmed by their quality. So we made our own pattern and embroidered my dress completely by hand.
It was a challenge because we had very little time—there were client orders that couldn’t be postponed—and the project was very complicated. But as we were sewing, I fell in love with the delicate embroidery work and the lightness of the fabrics. I knew in that moment that I wanted to make wedding dresses for others, too. After a year and a half of sales, we reached the point where it made sense to create our first bridal collection.
Your work offers two distinct aesthetics: coats that are structured and minimalist and a bridal collection that’s ultra-romantic. What do you see as the connection between the two?
For me, couture clothes have always been a symbol of quality, so I continue to strive for this in all of my designs. I wanted to make products that emphasize the quality of fabrics like natural wool, cashmere, and silk, and then of course excellence in tailoring and fitting. Our bodies are all different, and that requires attention. No matter what type of piece I’m working on, it’s the precision of our individual hand-tailoring that sets us apart.
What about embroidery: How did that come to be a signature of your designs?
I’m still learning, but I enjoy studying different embroidery techniques. I like using a combination of mouline, beads, and sequins. I prefer creating my own unique patterns to using readymade ones: It gives me endless possibilities in terms of design. When you do the work manually you can always change materials, colors, and patterns, and you never have to worry about your supplies being out of stock.
What are the most memorable experiences you’ve had working with brides, and what have been the biggest challenges?
I remember every custom design I’ve made—all the details of the work and the names of customers. Each order has its own challenges, but I enjoy the whole process—selecting colors, discussing the various dress styles and the best solutions for a particular body and height. One big challenge is conveying the true colors of the fabrics on the screen, so that the bride understands exactly what she’s getting. We all have different monitors with different color settings. My photographer and I spend a lot of time working to make sure we convey the colors as accurately as possible in our photos.
What is your number one tip for a bride who wants a custom wedding dress?
Get exact measurements. I send a separate file to clients with a detailed description of how to measure properly, and I always offer to help via chat. The right measurements are key to getting that perfect fit.
What do you love most about running a creative small business?
In my work there is no set routine. I’m constantly engaged in different processes and working on various parts of the business—searching for the right fabrics, the right textures, the best tailoring methods. Then suddenly, from an ordinary rectangle of fabric, a coat or a dress appears. For me, that moment is still like magic.
Follow Sumarokova Atelier on Instagram and Pinterest, and Sumarokova Bridal on Instagram.
Photographs courtesy of Sumarokova Atelier.
45 comments
Lesya from HappyScarvesByLesya said 2 years ago
Maria, congrats on the feature! You have very lovely shop! Марiя, щiро вiтаю! :-)
DeUno from DeUno said 2 years ago
Very beautiful design! Congratulations on the feature!
R.M Garrett from ArtisticAcrylics said 2 years ago
You and your mother create magic! your work is simply stunning. Your feature is well deserved, and I wish you and your mother continued success!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 2 years ago
Your work is beautiful! Great article! Congrats!
Mary Veneri from Skoulo said 2 years ago
Αmazing airy designs! Very elegant coats! I loved the uniqueness of the embroidery. I wish the best for your work Maria and Alla!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 2 years ago
Your work is gorgeous! Congrats on the feature and best wishes for achieving all your goals and dreams :)
Julie Saffrin from juliesaffrinsstuff said 2 years ago
Magnificent creations.
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 2 years ago
Ooooo so beautiful ~ Soft and enchanting ~ Cheers to much continued success !
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 2 years ago
Congrats on the feature Maria! The work that you and your mother have created is stunning and I got goosebumps looking through your shop! Makes me want to renew my vows just so I can wear one of your pieces. :) I wish your shop much success!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 2 years ago
Amazing mother daughter team and your creations are just gorgeous! Congratulations on the feature!
Carolina from Agirlwithfeathers said 2 years ago
Gorgeous work! Congratulations on the feature!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 2 years ago
Inspiring story and beautiful collection! Congratulations on the feature!
Valentyna Kozlova said 2 years ago
How beautiful 😍 I have a coat by Sumarokova—it is perfect! Congrats with being featured!
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 2 years ago
What beautiful work. Love your shop. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish your shop the very best of luck.
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 2 years ago
It is so great to see the shop from Ukraine! Your dresses are so beautiful!!! Wish you good luck and inspiration!
Lizzy from Bagitconscious said 2 years ago
Beautiful!!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 2 years ago
Stunning gowns! Love the embroidery, congratulations on the feature
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 2 years ago
Fairy tale beautiful - congratulations on the feature :o)
Piper Pixie from PiperPixieDesigns said 2 years ago
I wanted to try something on like this one time in this cute, quaint little shop in Carmel By The Sea...was soooo afraid I was going to bust a seam so I didn’t. These designs are so delicate, feminine, and soft. I don’t think I could pull it off 😆 But cheers to the feature! Your work is stunning! And I’ll envy from afar!!!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 2 years ago
WOW! Flawless, fabulous designs by shop Sumarokova Atelierop. Congratulations mother, daughter team for your wonderful creations.
Anna L. from FoxyStyleJewelry said 2 years ago
Αmazing stylish designs! I'm proud of the Ukrainian handmade crafters. Congratulations on the feature!
Bridalwish Floral Design from Bridalwishdesign said 2 years ago
How exciting! Loved your work all of these lightweight creations.. Congrats on your future, lovely family!
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 2 years ago
Beautiful work! Congratulations on the feature!
Griff Photography said 2 years ago
Wow, what an amazing story! Your work is fantastic!!! Really really well done!
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 2 years ago
Beautiful items! Congrats on the feature.
EightAcorns from EightAcorns said 2 years ago
Oh my gosh, so happy for my fellow Ukrainians!!! Beautiful work ladies, keep it up!
Kay from MyFleaMarketFinds said 2 years ago
Congratulations! Your designs are breathtaking!!
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 2 years ago
Sensational gowns. Incredible workmanship. So nice to see such feminine clothing.
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 2 years ago
Such gorgeous pieces!! Love your story. All the best!
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing your story. Congratulations on the feature of your lovely shop.
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 2 years ago
I love that you and your mom are a team :) These wedding gowns are just so ethereal and beautiful. Congratulations!
Rosemary Lambert from cardhugs said 2 years ago
These garments have a fairy-like fantasy quality that make them very appealing. Lovely collection.
Evgeniia Fayn from interiordolls777 said 2 years ago
Very beautiful works! Everything is done so neatly and looks amazing!
Jeanne B from PruAtelier said 2 years ago
Beautiful designs made very special with the added dimension of hand embroidery!
Vera Ayrapetyan from AngelinasFlowers said 2 years ago
Beautiful Shop!
Arin Rivers said 2 years ago
Such a beautiful story, and beautiful shop- the dresses looks so ethereal with gossamer fabrics and delicate detail. Artwork.
Sharon from YearsAfter said 2 years ago
beautiful quality and embroidery workmanship! love all the dresses!
Natalia Serova from HookedByCrochetArt said 2 years ago
Great Story! I love your coats designs :)
Nana Vanesyan from NarineHandmade said 2 years ago
Very beautiful design. I love your dresses ))
Lucia from LuciaStofej said 2 years ago
I fell in love with your dresses! :) So pretty!
Natalya Ashkina from MagicKnittingNeedle said 2 years ago
I am really proud of people who live in my country! Good job!
Galie from galinesa said 2 years ago
Great job! My compliments to my mother, who gave her daughter a love for creativity and profession. This is a great happiness when native people work nearby. Real family dynasty!
Betty Birkemeier from GiftingMagic said 1 year ago
Your gowns are breathtakingly beautiful! Congratulations on running such a lovely shop!
Angela McCain from AeternumPortraits said 329 days ago
The colors of the gowns are so delicate, soft and creamy. Reminds me of the colors of ice cream when it begins to melt . . .
Olga Mironova from LoveClayFlowers said 248 days ago
Gorgeous work! Congratulations on the feature! your work is unique and flawless, Im totally in love with your dresses!