Viktor Garbeshkov
Viktor Garbeshkov
talk with @viktorgarbeshkov, emerging fashion designer who dressed the Eurovision
winner DARA and had his pieces featured in Vogue or the Met Gala afterparty.
Viktor Garbeshkov is an emerging artist whose main medium to express his vision is fashion, as it allows him to connect everything that he’s passionate about, from photography and videomaking to makeup and hair. Set to graduate this year from Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA), he already created an impressive portfolio and accumulated lots of real-work knowledge collaborating with established stylists and celebrities.
Viktor Garbeshkov is an emerging artist whose main medium to express his vision is fashion, as it allows him to connect everything that he’s passionate about, from photography and videomaking to makeup and hair. Set to graduate this year from Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA), he already created an impressive portfolio and accumulated lots of real-work knowledge collaborating with established stylists and celebrities.
Victor: I have a very specific vision. At times I am very tapped into it, sometimes I lose it a little bit but I have this vision, a feeling, which tells me what is right and what is wrong. When I'm thinking, should I do this outfit like this? Should I do the photo like that ? What should my concept be about? With some projects I just have this specific feeling…
Intuition?
Victor: Maybe intuition is the best way to call it. I just tap into it and I just let it lead me to what's best. When I work trusting my intuition I create my most successful projects. I see that people love the projects that I really gave my heart into. I feel like people can sense when I'm a little stressed or unsure and then the feedback is worse.
Victor: I have a very specific vision. At times I am very tapped into it, sometimes I lose it a little bit but I have this vision, a feeling, which tells me what is right and what is wrong. When I'm thinking, should I do this outfit like this? Should I do the photo like that ? What should my concept be about? With some projects I just have this specific feeling…
Intuition?
Victor: Maybe intuition is the best way to call it. I just tap into it and I just let it lead me to what's best. When I work trusting my intuition I create my most successful projects. I see that people love the projects that I really gave my heart into. I feel like people can sense when I'm a little stressed or unsure and then the feedback is worse.
When did you discover you have this intuition and why use it in fashion?
When did you discover you have this intuition and why use it in fashion?
Viktor: To be honest, I really don't have any idea. I know the way I want to create is to do it right and do it well. You need a lot of experience to work in the industry, which I don't have right now. However, I have worked on many projects with different stylists, on collaborations with other artists and celebrities. I want to do red carpets and fashion as art. My goal is to make something more than clothing; in a way, I want to change the world. I think this is the only way it makes sense. I understand that I'm an artist, I'm not saving people, I'm not a doctor or anything, but I see the importance of art. Fashion, especially, because it’s something that you cover your body with, you basically have a piece of art that you show to everybody everywhere you go. So I believe the only way you can play a helpful role in a society as an artist is to try to change the world through your art. Although I am very aware that I cannot really do it right now because it's such a big goal, it leaves me a little confused about what I should do after I graduate. I would love to work on my personal projects, but the reality is that you cannot sustain your lifestyle just by having fun with art and fashion. So maybe I'll need to get a job somewhere in the industry, see how experienced professionals work, and keep growing until I’m able to change the world someday.
Viktor: To be honest, I really don't have any idea. I know the way I want to create is to do it right and do it well. You need a lot of experience to work in the industry, which I don't have right now. However, I have worked on many projects with different stylists, on collaborations with other artists and celebrities. I want to do red carpets and fashion as art. My goal is to make something more than clothing; in a way, I want to change the world. I think this is the only way it makes sense. I understand that I'm an artist, I'm not saving people, I'm not a doctor or anything, but I see the importance of art. Fashion, especially, because it’s something that you cover your body with, you basically have a piece of art that you show to everybody everywhere you go. So I believe the only way you can play a helpful role in a society as an artist is to try to change the world through your art. Although I am very aware that I cannot really do it right now because it's such a big goal, it leaves me a little confused about what I should do after I graduate. I would love to work on my personal projects, but the reality is that you cannot sustain your lifestyle just by having fun with art and fashion. So maybe I'll need to get a job somewhere in the industry, see how experienced professionals work, and keep growing until I’m able to change the world someday.
How do you see art and fashion changing the world?
How do you see art and fashion changing the world?
Viktor: To me, creating art is about visualizing a perspective into the material world. I think art can change the world by changing how people view certain things, and to change how people view them, you need to show them very specifically the other point of view. And sometimes it's not so beautiful. That's also why I don't like constructing too specific, socially acceptable beauty standards. I can kind of go out of the societal beauty standards and push what I see as beautiful. As I said, I have this intuition, and that creates strong beliefs in me that I wish to share with others and start conversations. But the fact is that at some point, if somebody gets it, gets it, if you don't get it at all, it's not meant for you.
Viktor: To me, creating art is about visualizing a perspective into the material world. I think art can change the world by changing how people view certain things, and to change how people view them, you need to show them very specifically the other point of view. And sometimes it's not so beautiful. That's also why I don't like constructing too specific, socially acceptable beauty standards. I can kind of go out of the societal beauty standards and push what I see as beautiful. As I said, I have this intuition, and that creates strong beliefs in me that I wish to share with others and start conversations. But the fact is that at some point, if somebody gets it, gets it, if you don't get it at all, it's not meant for you.
Dressing DARA
Dressing DARA
DARA (@darnadude), one of the biggest pop artists in Bulgaria, discovered Viktor through Instagram and reached out to him when he was still in high school, putting all his heart into personal projects and posting photoshoots with friends. She saw his work and wanted to create something with him.
DARA (@darnadude), one of the biggest pop artists in Bulgaria, discovered Viktor through Instagram and reached out to him when he was still in high school, putting all his heart into personal projects and posting photoshoots with friends. She saw his work and wanted to create something with him.
Viktor: We started out with just a shoot, she told me, “I just want to be in your vision, whatever you want to do, I'm down”. Which was kind of fucking crazy, because I was like a child with no real work experience, and she gave me all this freedom and trust. I made four looks for her, shot and edited them myself. Even the makeup, we worked on it together, it was so amazing.
Viktor: We started out with just a shoot, she told me, “I just want to be in your vision, whatever you want to do, I'm down”. Which was kind of fucking crazy, because I was like a child with no real work experience, and she gave me all this freedom and trust. I made four looks for her, shot and edited them myself. Even the makeup, we worked on it together, it was so amazing.
DARA and her team loved the photoshoot, and soon after, they contacted Viktor again, this time to work on a music video.
DARA and her team loved the photoshoot, and soon after, they contacted Viktor again, this time to work on a music video.
Viktor: There were many scheduling issues. I didn't know when everything needed to happen until the last moment. At one point, I thought they didn't want to do it anymore, and then one day, her manager called me again and told me they’re shooting in five days. He asked if I could do the outfits in five days. For me, this was such an amazing opportunity, so I blindly believed in myself that I could. I didn't sleep at all for four days straight and managed to make three outfits. I also styled the fourth look.
Viktor: There were many scheduling issues. I didn't know when everything needed to happen until the last moment. At one point, I thought they didn't want to do it anymore, and then one day, her manager called me again and told me they’re shooting in five days. He asked if I could do the outfits in five days. For me, this was such an amazing opportunity, so I blindly believed in myself that I could. I didn't sleep at all for four days straight and managed to make three outfits. I also styled the fourth look.
DARA - Богиня (Official Video)
DARA - Богиня (Official Video)
After this project, Viktor moved to Milan to continue studying fashion at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA). Almost a year had passed since his last collaboration with DARA, but he was contacted again to lend his piece for another music video.
After this project, Viktor moved to Milan to continue studying fashion at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA). Almost a year had passed since his last collaboration with DARA, but he was contacted again to lend his piece for another music video.
Hairy Corseted Pantsuit
Hairy Corseted Pantsuit
There are two copies of this garment. The project was created for a photoshoot in Paris. Viktor wanted to do it in front of the Schiaparelli show, a brand that serves as a major influence for his own work. Even though, as a young designer, he couldn’t get inside, he wanted to be a part of it from the outside. After a long and stressful process, the photoshoot was a success, and a stylist, @okovow, saw the piece. She reached out to Viktor to borrow it for a photoshoot. He saw she was a big, successful stylist, took his opportunity, and gave her the pants without any extra information.
There are two copies of this garment. The project was created for a photoshoot in Paris. Viktor wanted to do it in front of the Schiaparelli show, a brand that serves as a major influence for his own work. Even though, as a young designer, he couldn’t get inside, he wanted to be a part of it from the outside. After a long and stressful process, the photoshoot was a success, and a stylist, @okovow, saw the piece. She reached out to Viktor to borrow it for a photoshoot. He saw she was a big, successful stylist, took his opportunity, and gave her the pants without any extra information.
Viktor: For months after the shoot, I didn't hear anything from the stylist. I thought maybe they're not going to use the photos, and then on Christmas, six months later, she just sends me a link to Vogue Portugal. Casually, she's like, “Hey, your pants are in this shoot, it turned out great, tell me what you think!” I was like, are you fucking crazy, you got this in Vogue? The pictures were so beautiful, and it was Vogue, my work is in Vogue. I'm nobody, but in Vogue, so I must be somebody, you know?
Viktor: For months after the shoot, I didn't hear anything from the stylist. I thought maybe they're not going to use the photos, and then on Christmas, six months later, she just sends me a link to Vogue Portugal. Casually, she's like, “Hey, your pants are in this shoot, it turned out great, tell me what you think!” I was like, are you fucking crazy, you got this in Vogue? The pictures were so beautiful, and it was Vogue, my work is in Vogue. I'm nobody, but in Vogue, so I must be somebody, you know?
The “Hairy Corseted Pantsuit” went on to be featured in the music video for DARA’s “Bangaranga”, a song that she ended up winning the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest with.
The “Hairy Corseted Pantsuit” went on to be featured in the music video for DARA’s “Bangaranga”, a song that she ended up winning the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest with.
Viktor was also asked to create a custom look for the star to wear on the red carpet opening ceremony in Vienna. The outfit is inspired by kuker (bul. кукер), also referenced in the music video. Traditionally, kukeri are men dressed as hairy monsters who walk and dance through villages to scare away evil spirits.
Viktor was also asked to create a custom look for the star to wear on the red carpet opening ceremony in Vienna. The outfit is inspired by kuker (bul. кукер), also referenced in the music video. Traditionally, kukeri are men dressed as hairy monsters who walk and dance through villages to scare away evil spirits.
“Kosmat” collection
“Kosmat” collection
Kosmat in Bulgarian means hairy, and that was the main inspiration for the project. The idea of how hair holds memories. The same feeling some people have with objects, how we connect a specific shirt to an important life event because we wore it when it happened. To Viktor, this concept is more special with hair, something connected and growing out of our bodies. Going further, he also references physical unwellness. Wounds and bruises inspired by motorcycle accidents. Many wouldn't find it beautiful, more sad or depressing, but Viktor finds it extremely romantic, a proof of survival.
Kosmat in Bulgarian means hairy, and that was the main inspiration for the project. The idea of how hair holds memories. The same feeling some people have with objects, how we connect a specific shirt to an important life event because we wore it when it happened. To Viktor, this concept is more special with hair, something connected and growing out of our bodies. Going further, he also references physical unwellness. Wounds and bruises inspired by motorcycle accidents. Many wouldn't find it beautiful, more sad or depressing, but Viktor finds it extremely romantic, a proof of survival.
Viktor: From the “Kosmat” collection, I only made one outfit, which was the wounded leather corset with the hairy legs. It was supposed to look like the model was riding a motorcycle and got into an accident. The upper part is faux leather, and there's moldable plastic underneath the leather with sculpted breasts. I wanted to make the model look naked but dressed, the leather is supposed to be her skin, but of course, leather is a much harsher material, so the idea is to show how she went through a lot, and she got a literal thick skin. It's all hand-painted to look like she has wounds and bruises all over her body. And on the bottom part, there’s a transparent mesh fabric with hair put onto it one by one. This process is called ventilation, the same process used to make the most realistic wigs. You tie each hair one by one into the mesh until it creates a full head of hair, and I did that on both of the legs, which was fucking crazy. For months, I was just ventilating hair one by one. I thought this was the most couture type of technique that I could use. To be honest, I haven't truly seen anyone else ventilate a piece of clothing. It was done on a new level, and I'm very proud of it.
Viktor: From the “Kosmat” collection, I only made one outfit, which was the wounded leather corset with the hairy legs. It was supposed to look like the model was riding a motorcycle and got into an accident. The upper part is faux leather, and there's moldable plastic underneath the leather with sculpted breasts. I wanted to make the model look naked but dressed, the leather is supposed to be her skin, but of course, leather is a much harsher material, so the idea is to show how she went through a lot, and she got a literal thick skin. It's all hand-painted to look like she has wounds and bruises all over her body. And on the bottom part, there’s a transparent mesh fabric with hair put onto it one by one. This process is called ventilation, the same process used to make the most realistic wigs. You tie each hair one by one into the mesh until it creates a full head of hair, and I did that on both of the legs, which was fucking crazy. For months, I was just ventilating hair one by one. I thought this was the most couture type of technique that I could use. To be honest, I haven't truly seen anyone else ventilate a piece of clothing. It was done on a new level, and I'm very proud of it.
The “Wreckage Wear” outfit from the “Kosmat” collection gained a lot of attention on social media, as it was reposted by many fashion pages and liked by celebrities. The project was sent to New York and ended up being worn by an influencer @uglyworldwide at the Met Gala after party.
The “Wreckage Wear” outfit from the “Kosmat” collection gained a lot of attention on social media, as it was reposted by many fashion pages and liked by celebrities. The project was sent to New York and ended up being worn by an influencer @uglyworldwide at the Met Gala after party.
“LOVE LETTER” collection
“LOVE LETTER” collection
Viktor: The story of this collection starts with Viperrr. Before I came to Milan, I had never been to a gay club or a party. I was insecure about it because I was never allowed to present myself the way I wanted to. Also, in Bulgaria, it's a little bit dangerous. Even if you have the confidence to do it, it's dangerous; you’re gonna get beaten up or worse. So, coming here, to Viper, was such an amazing thing for me. It showed me what I can be and that I can express myself safely. And people didn't laugh at me. They loved me. It has brought me so much joy and so much confidence. It showed me that I can actually be myself and express myself with my own body, because before I've always expressed myself through my models, I couldn't do it on my own, but here it was possible, which is very special. So, after going to the party for, like, a year and a half, I decided it's only appropriate if I do a big project about it. To put it out there, this energy. I was going to Viper every single week for over a year, so I've done a lot of looks, I've met lots of people, and that's what inspired the collection. Of course, some things are not so great about nightlife and queer culture, like the way everything is so sexualized. Especially with these gay parties, it all feels very posh. So, there’s a good and a bad side to it, and I decided to just mix it up and do a collection. The “Love Letter” really is about embracing and finding beauty in the weirdness. The natural weirdness. I've always felt like I'm naturally a little bit weird, or at least that’s how people see me. At Viper, people didn't tell me “No, you're not weird”, they were saying “Yes, you are weird, and we love it.” They embraced it, accepted it. They didn't try to ignore it. I've had some friends in Bulgaria. And you know, I'm a boy, I do makeup, fashion, and put it on myself. And they would say that it’s not weird, but it was always inauthentic, because the fact is that I look weird. I know I do. But I wanted to be accepted, like it's normal to be weird
Viktor: The story of this collection starts with Viperrr. Before I came to Milan, I had never been to a gay club or a party. I was insecure about it because I was never allowed to present myself the way I wanted to. Also, in Bulgaria, it's a little bit dangerous. Even if you have the confidence to do it, it's dangerous; you’re gonna get beaten up or worse. So, coming here, to Viper, was such an amazing thing for me. It showed me what I can be and that I can express myself safely. And people didn't laugh at me. They loved me. It has brought me so much joy and so much confidence. It showed me that I can actually be myself and express myself with my own body, because before I've always expressed myself through my models, I couldn't do it on my own, but here it was possible, which is very special. So, after going to the party for, like, a year and a half, I decided it's only appropriate if I do a big project about it. To put it out there, this energy. I was going to Viper every single week for over a year, so I've done a lot of looks, I've met lots of people, and that's what inspired the collection. Of course, some things are not so great about nightlife and queer culture, like the way everything is so sexualized. Especially with these gay parties, it all feels very posh. So, there’s a good and a bad side to it, and I decided to just mix it up and do a collection. The “Love Letter” really is about embracing and finding beauty in the weirdness. The natural weirdness. I've always felt like I'm naturally a little bit weird, or at least that’s how people see me. At Viper, people didn't tell me “No, you're not weird”, they were saying “Yes, you are weird, and we love it.” They embraced it, accepted it. They didn't try to ignore it. I've had some friends in Bulgaria. And you know, I'm a boy, I do makeup, fashion, and put it on myself. And they would say that it’s not weird, but it was always inauthentic, because the fact is that I look weird. I know I do. But I wanted to be accepted, like it's normal to be weird
Viktor: For this project, I also really wanted to shoot a video. I wanted to go all out, and it almost killed me. I've never had a more self-destructive process of working in my life. I was not going out. I was not seeing my friends. I was not eating well. I was not sleeping well for months and months on end. This project put me in a very long creative block. A burnout, which I'm still fucking recovering from, but now I'm very happy with the result. I'm very proud that I could pull off such a big project by myself. And it's not even fully out yet. I still have a few photoshoots left to share.
Viktor: For this project, I also really wanted to shoot a video. I wanted to go all out, and it almost killed me. I've never had a more self-destructive process of working in my life. I was not going out. I was not seeing my friends. I was not eating well. I was not sleeping well for months and months on end. This project put me in a very long creative block. A burnout, which I'm still fucking recovering from, but now I'm very happy with the result. I'm very proud that I could pull off such a big project by myself. And it's not even fully out yet. I still have a few photoshoots left to share.