Our story
Read our full interview in American Essence magazine here: https://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/this-family-owned-business-makes-dresses-inspired-by-little-women
My sister Luiza, and I, Julia, grew up in a family where all women would hand-make things. From early childhood, our grandma and mom made outfits for us. Mom sewed dresses and knitted woolen cardigans and sweaters. Grandma sewed our nighties and taught us traditional homemade bakery. She read us books and taught us cross-stitching.
We would spend each summer in the Siberian countryside surrounded by endless forests full of flowers and cows and sheep grazing on meadows. All this power in the women's sphere and the beauty of nature influenced our perception of the world. When we grew up and became mothers, we started creating the same homey world full of needlework and domestic warmth for our daughters. We made hand-crafted toys, did embroidery, and took lovely photos. It's how we developed our aesthetics. After a few years, the idea of creating something bigger came to our family.
Sisters Julia Saidova and Luiza Sadykova (far right), with their mother, grandmother, and daughters.
Our source of inspiration is the lovely March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy- from the novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Together with them, we walked in the morning garden, bravely met the vicissitudes of fate, and shared simple happiness. Like the March sisters, we set to work together.
This business is truly dear to our family because we have invested all our talents, work, and vision of beauty in it. We are happy that we can share our sustainable products with beautiful women around the world.
However, our dresses are not just garments. They are a tradition passed from mother to daughter. The tradition to keep warm at home, have the courage to go your way, love and be loved, and always remain beautiful. In our dresses, people in the rush and haste of the modern world can create a haven where there is always a place for simple joys.
This business is truly dear to our family because we have invested all our talents, work, and vision of beauty in it. We are happy that we can share our sustainable products with beautiful women around the world.
However, our dresses are not just garments. They are a tradition passed from mother to daughter. The tradition to keep warm at home, have the courage to go your way, love and be loved, and always remain beautiful. In our dresses, people in the rush and haste of the modern world can create a haven where there is always a place for simple joys.
We use certified natural fabrics like linen and wool and choose rich, natural colors for our dresses that are reminiscent of the beauty found in nature. Linen has a special energy. It is durable, and products made from it can last for decades. After each new wash, the clothes become softer. Linen complies with environmental requirements. While growing, it consumes hundreds of times less water than cotton! It is also a natural antiseptic; linen fabric allows the body to breathe, absorbs moisture, and remains practically dry.
Due to the fabric's excellent properties, our clothes' design does not depend on the season. Each dress is loved and adorns a woman for an extended time.
The procedure of sewing our items requires time and effort. After receiving the order, every item is individually cut and sewn with our hands without spending extra energy and resources. It takes 9 to 10* weeks to finish it.Each button covered with linen is handmade by my dad on a mechanical machine. He cuts each linen circle himself and makes the fabric-covered buttons for your future dresses, blouses, and coats.
All of us are united by the belief in slow fashion - the desire to reduce consumption. We strive to create minimal waste from production. We use recyclable packaging and linen leftovers to make buttons and bags for storing spare buttons.
When the dresses are ready, we carefully wrap them. Then we add charming Little Women cards. Lastly, we send each one off to be cherished by their special owner.
We do not follow trends and do not plan to sew new collections every season. Everything is created by inspiration and opportunity.Our team is trying to make each dress radiate love so that it gently hugs its owner and gives joy for many years with care for the environment!
To visit our Atelier and receive updates and news, find and follow us on Instagram:
@littlewomenatelier
Much love,
Little Women Atelier family
