An art photo shoot featuring tiaras for Russian actress Varvara Shmykova, known for her work with directors Andrey Zvyagintsev, Kirill Serebryanikov, Eduard Oganesyan, and others.
Photographer: Marina Vasilevskaya
Tiaras and styling: Johann Nikadimus
Makeup and hair: Polina Ilyushina
Assistant: Eric Hayti
Backstage: Valery Abdrshin
Belgrade, 2024
We shot the third tiara collection on the streets of Istanbul in December, preparing material for a future exhibition in Serbia. The models were my friends and fellow designers Lena Tash and Nastya Leonevskaya. The clothing worn by the models is by Lena Tash’s brand Onsitsa.
Photographer: Yuri Guzeev, Models: Lena Tash and Nastya Leonevskaya, Assistant: Artem Michurin, Istanbul, 2022
Film and digital photographer: Marina Vasilevskaya
Model: Anđela Ševrt
Dress: Intro.Version x J. Nikadimus
Tiaras and veils: J. Nikadimus
Belgrade, 2024
Black velvet and silk are contemporary markers of luxury, while the foundation remains the same historical form and embroidery technique. I only slightly altered the silhouette so that the kokoshnik would work naturally with contemporary clothing volumes. Coloured velvet and silk were expensive and highly prized materials in the 18th and 19th centuries. I applied the same principle and approach to materials when creating a contemporary kokoshnik — in black.
Photographer: Marina Vasilevskaya, Model: Milena, Style: J. Nikadimus
I am Johann Nikadimus,
a Russian designer and embroiderer working with historical techniques of pearl and gold embroidery. My studio is based in Serbia.
Since 2015, I have been exploring the possibilities of traditional craftsmanship in contemporary design. Working with pearls, metal threads, and other materials, I create headdresses, tiaras, and jewellery. In my work, historical forms and ornamental motifs become the foundation for new, original interpretations.
My work has been presented at a Cartier exhibition in St. Petersburg. I am featured in the Homo Faber Guide by the Michelangelo Foundation and have participated in XTANT in Palma de Mallorca.