Meet Alima Botasheva of New York City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alima Botasheva

Hi Alima, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began in Cherkessk, Russia, a place where tradition often took precedence over personal ambition, especially for women. But my parents believed in education and creativity, which is how I found my way to fashion. They enrolled me in everything from drawing lessons to tennis and English classes, and that’s where I discovered my passion for fashion design. From there, my path took me to Saint Petersburg, where I studied fashion at one of Russia’s top universities – Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design (SPbSUITD).

During my internship in Istanbul at the textile company Boren, I delved into the nuances of men’s fashion design, which was a significant departure from my previous focus on women’s wear. This experience taught me the intricacies of tailoring for men—how to work with different materials, cuts, and fits to create designs that are both stylish and functional. It also introduced me to the fast-paced world of international textile production, broadening my perspective on global fashion practices.

Joining Araida, a luxury Russian fashion house, marked the next phase of my career. I had the privilege of working on collections for celebrities and high-profile clients, where I gained firsthand experience in the world of haute couture. At Araida, I developed a deep understanding of luxury fabrics and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating bespoke garments. Working on shows in Moscow, Dubai, and Jakarta pushed me to expand my creative boundaries, adapting to diverse fashion markets and cultural aesthetics. These international experiences not only improved my technical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the global language of fashion.

After several years with Araida, I decided to take the bold step of moving to the United States. Here, I joined Ralph Lauren, where I now specialize in custom-tailored garments, applying everything I’ve learned to create timeless pieces for high-profile clients. This transition has allowed me to merge my passion for fashion with a new level of professional exposure, working in one of the most prestigious fashion hubs in the world.

It’s been an exciting and challenging journey—one that’s taken me from a small town in Russia to some of the world’s biggest fashion cities.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been anything but smooth, but that’s what has made my journey so fulfilling. Growing up in Cherkessk, I faced societal expectations that didn’t necessarily align with my ambitions. Pursuing fashion, an industry often seen as non-traditional in my town, was the first major challenge. Leaving my family to study in Saint Petersburg felt like stepping into the unknown, and later, relocating to New York was even more daunting.

Professionally, moving to the U.S. brought its own challenges. I started working in an alteration store in Brooklyn, far from the luxury fashion brands I aspired to work with. It took time to build the right connections and find the right opportunities. I had to adjust to a new culture, both personally and professionally. The hardest part was probably leaving the security of home to follow an uncertain path, but every step has been worth it.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I’m a Fitter-Tailor at Ralph Lauren’s Flagship store in New York. I specialize in custom garment creation and luxury tailoring for high-profile clients, including celebrities attending events like the Oscars. My work combines high-end couture with a focus on timeless, elegant fashion.

What sets me apart is my attention to detail and my commitment to ethical fashion. I’ve always believed that luxury fashion should be both beautiful and responsible. I work with carefully sourced, sustainable materials, and I’m meticulous about craftsmanship—qualities I developed while working in Russia and during my time at Ralph Lauren.

I’m most proud of the opportunities I’ve had to work on red carpet looks and custom pieces for clients who value both the aesthetics and the values behind the designs. Seeing my work come to life on such important platforms is always a rewarding experience.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with talented designers and mentors at Ralph Lauren, who have played a pivotal role in shaping my career. They taught me how to balance high expectations with creativity and emphasized the importance of storytelling in fashion. I’ve come to understand that customers aren’t just purchasing clothes—they’re buying into a lifestyle and an identity. This approach to fashion, where every garment tells a story, has been instrumental in refining my craft and is something I carry with me as I move toward building my own brand.

Additionally, networking with customers at Ralph Lauren has been a tremendous learning experience. Engaging with clients and understanding their personal preferences has given me insight into what today’s luxury consumers truly value—elegance, identity, and timelessness. These interactions have taught me that fashion is as much about making clients feel special as it is about creating a beautiful piece. This has been an invaluable part of my growth as a designer, and I credit the clients who have challenged me to innovate and think beyond traditional design.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alima-botasheva-5810a41a4?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alima__botash/