Sveta Leyfman: A Fashion Illustrator

I am thrilled to introduce you to Sveta, a remarkable artist who excels in fashion illustration, music, and the collecting of vintage jewelry and antiques—and who also happens to be my dear friend. Sveta's artistic journey began in the Soviet Union, where her unique talents stood out from a young age. Her father taught her to create art as early as age two, and over time, she continued to captivate audiences with her mesmerizing musical performances, thanks to her afternoon music classes.
At seventeen, the world of fashion captured her imagination. The artistic expression she developed from childhood gave her an edge in fashion design—she mastered various artistic techniques that allowed her to sketch models and designs in a unique, characterful way. Despite the Soviet era’s restrained colors and modest trends, Sveta’s designs broke through the limits of the time, embodying bold creativity.
Sveta's journey from a young musician in the Soviet Union to a visionary fashion illustrator demonstrates the power of artistic expression. Through her innovative designs, she brought joy and boldness to a world longing for change.

When you were younger, you were pursuing music, then found yourself in the world of illustration and fashion design. What prompted such a swift change in direction?

After the Berlin Wall fell, something profound happened that reshaped my life. For a while, I continued with music—by the end of college, I was even set to start a job in the music field. But then, by chance, I saw a TV broadcast showcasing some of the world’s most famous fashion designers, like Dior and Chanel, and I was captivated. To fuel this newfound passion, I began eagerly collecting magazines and brochures that highlighted the incredible work of icons like Borda. From that point on, my artistic journey took a definitive turn.

In 1994, you left the Soviet Union and immigrated to Israel. What was it like to start all over again?

It was a very intense time in my life. I arrived in Israel without knowing the language or understanding the culture, but from the moment I landed, I felt a profound sense of freedom and lightness. That feeling of release made me more than ready to begin this new adventure.

While working at a hotel in Israel, an opportunity in fashion presented itself. How did that come about?

In my free time, I would share my portfolio with my co-workers, who were so impressed that they arranged a meeting for me with the manager of a textile factory that collaborated with well-known designers. She was taken with the professional quality of my designs and even offered to purchase them—though not under my name. I wasn’t comfortable with that, so I declined the offer. At the time, I had a strong desire to study at Shenkar School, but I couldn’t afford it. In hindsight, I realized I should have accepted the offer, so I went on to study fashion design and graphic design. After graduating, I landed a position at an advertising company.

You currently teach fashion illustration and offer courses for professionals, but in the past, it all began with women seeking a creative hobby. Can you tell me more about that journey?

It’s truly a pleasure to work with both industry professionals and women who are looking to explore a creative hobby in their free time. I feel blessed to have had such wonderful students, some of whom have even become friends and colleagues. Teaching brings me a lot of joy, and it’s something I know I will always continue to do.

You managed long work hours while caring for your ailing father. What was that experience like?

My journey was anything but easy. I had to leave a respectable office job at the age of 45, facing financial difficulties while caring for both my young children and my father. Mentally, I was struggling. At the time, I had a small Instagram account with only 200 followers, and one day, I came across an ad from Shenkar Fashion School for a styling course.

What was this new chapter like for you?

Even though it was challenging, I committed myself fully to my studies. After my full-time job and caring for my children and father, I would work on my assignments late into the night, often finishing around 1 a.m. Every day, I found myself looking forward to the evening—it was my time to focus on my assignments, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment I spent working on them.

I’d love to hear more about your journey into the fashion world.

One day, I decided to post an illustration on Instagram, and it unexpectedly went viral. Comments started pouring in, and within just four months, I had gained 15,000 followers. It got to the point where my phone was constantly buzzing with notifications, even while I was driving. Two months later, I enrolled in an advanced course. My painting style improved significantly through my training at a Russian art school, where I developed a strong sense of fashion and deepened my understanding of fashion history, especially in fabrics and interior design.
I soon decided to create my own course at a nominal price, aimed at teaching women. I quickly recruited three groups, filled with stylists and designers, while also sharing a lot of content on Instagram. Before I knew it, I was receiving invitations to fashion shows, launches, and exhibitions. For the first time, I felt true happiness and self-confidence—a sense of genuine fulfillment.

You participated in  The Devil Wears Prada exhibition in Jaffa, Tel Aviv. Tell me more about that experience!

I feel that this exhibition was how people in Israel first came to know me. Each year, the Tel Aviv Municipality organizes an Illustration Week, and the year I participated, the theme was fashion illustration. I was invited to display my work and even had my own exhibit. It was such a vibrant and colorful event, and I felt incredibly honored to be part of it.

One of your major achievements is your collaboration with the fashion giant Shein. 
How did that come about?

One day, I received a letter from Shein inviting me to participate in a collaboration project they were running for unknown yet talented artists. The collaboration, called Shein X-Sveta Leyfman, featured designers from around the world. I couldn’t believe it! They invited me to create a collection, and I ended up designing nine pieces that they loved. They showcased my designs on their online store, and the response was incredible—people really embraced them!

You have a large Instagram following and manage to upload new illustrations almost daily. That must be so exciting!

It does take a lot of work, but I love that my art exposes me to such beautiful and diverse projects. The positive feedback I receive from clients and my online community keeps me motivated and inspired.

What advice would you give to young women beginning their journey in the fashion world?

First, remember that fashion is a very competitive field, so it’s crucial to stay true to yourself and develop your unique style. Keep learning, be bold, and don’t let fear hold you back. Learn to enjoy the journey, as it can sometimes take a long time to see the results you desire. Finally, pursue what you love with all the strength and passion you have.

So what’s next? Any new plans? We’re excited to know what you’re working on!

I’m really enjoying my current projects and am incredibly grateful for every moment of success I’ve experienced so far. I have many exciting ideas and plans on the horizon, so stay tuned! One of my biggest passions is teaching, and I’m thrilled to be working on a collaboration with two fashion schools.