Arina Petrova and her father Serhii unveiled "Mutabor," a monochrome punk leather collection of animal-inspired armor and masks, at Kyiv Fashion Week while drone alerts and air-raid sirens sounded across the city. The Kharkiv-based Bob Basset studio—known for leather masks used by bands such as Korn and Slipknot—returned to the runway after an 11-year hiatus. Prepared to continue the show underground if needed, the designers used their work to express resilience, transformation and a fierce response to war.
Debut Collection Unveiled Amid Air Raids: Kharkiv Designer Shows 'Mutabor' at Kyiv Fashion Week
Bob Basset has designed masks for metal bands including Korn and Slipknot (Roman PILIPEY)
In Kyiv's largest art museum, 28-year-old designer Arina Petrova and her father, Serhii, put the finishing touches on mannequins as air-raid sirens wailed—mindful that a Russian drone strike could halt the long-awaited debut of her first collection.
A Runway Under Sirens
The Kharkiv-based duo behind the Bob Basset art house presented "Mutabor," a monochrome punk leather collection of animal-inspired costumes that blend armor-like tailoring with feathered and clawed motifs. With jet-powered drones striking the capital and air alerts freezing life across the city, the pair prepared for every contingency. "If it's in the shelter, fine—we'll do it in the shelter," Petrova said, adding they were ready to move models and a cellist to the basement and even use cellphone flashlights to finish the performance.
Design, Identity and Resilience
Set against large black drapes, the collection emphasized texture and silhouette: black leather breastplates engraved with feather-like reliefs, horse and avian masks, and corsetry that reads as protective armor. Titled "Mutabor" (Latin: "I shall transform"), the pieces were inspired by imaginary dark, feathered creatures her father envisioned. "I feel like during war, everyone has to become a little more ferocious... grow fangs," Petrova said. "You acquire something from the animal that makes you stronger."
Before Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Bob Basset had gained international notice for leather masks worn by bands such as Korn and Slipknot. When Russian forces neared Kharkiv in 2022, the studio temporarily closed and the family relocated west. Serhii later returned to Kharkiv despite bombardment, driven by a fear of doing nothing: "I'm afraid. But I'm even more afraid of not being able to do anything tomorrow."
Wearing a mask to conceal a squint, Serhii has redirected much of his craft toward face coverings and restorative masks, making them free for wounded soldiers who wished to hide scars. With Arina's help, the workshop in Kharkiv slowly revived, culminating in their first Fashion Week presentation in 11 years.
Performance and Aftermath
Minutes before the show, an air-raid alarm sounded and security shepherded attendees to safety. During a brief lull, a masked cellist played while models glided silently through the crowd under the glow of phone cameras. The performance ended to a mix of applause and distant sirens. Afterward, a visitor wearing a dress fashioned from drone debris congratulated Serhii in the courtyard. Petrova smiled despite the thunder of air defenses overhead: "Only those who are capable of creating under these conditions remain," she said.
Context: The presentation highlighted how creativity and craft persist amid conflict—transforming vulnerability into visual statements of resilience.
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