Dariia Bila is a multifaceted artist whose work spans theater, fashion, and storytelling. Rooted in her theatrical background, she blends costume, painting, and space into powerful visual languages that come alive both on stage and in her brand MY THEATRE. Beyond fashion, she brings imagination to life through her heartfelt character Mr. Pillow, a creation that has touched children and families with its warmth and sincerity. Driven by curiosity, emotion, and an unshakable love for creativity, Dariia continues to craft worlds where art and life seamlessly intertwine.
Dariia’s website with all her projects: https://www.dariiabila.com/en
Dariia’s apparel brand MYTHETRE: https://mytheatrebydariiabila.com
The Beginning
You’ve described your creative journey as something that began with curiosity. If you could travel back and give advice to 17-year-old Dariia entering theater school, what would you tell her?
I would say just one thing: be kinder to yourself. At 17, I really wanted to do everything, to be “perfect.” But now I know: growth doesn’t happen in a rush, but in attentiveness to yourself.
Have there ever been moments when you felt like quitting everything? What helped you keep going?
Of course. Even now, it still happens. Once a month, and sometimes even once every two. But my desire to create is so strong that these thoughts pass rather quickly. Often it’s just fatigue. So I don’t take them too seriously — I give myself time, allow the emotion to be felt. And then I move on.
Theater & Creative Process
You often speak of theater as a place where everything you love — costume, painting, space — comes together. What does theater still give you today that no other field can?
Theater is emotion. Alive and powerful. It happens here and now — in every process. Theater is, above all, a collective art form. The merging of all arts in one space: immersing in the material, in the music, working with the director, with the actors. It’s the creation of a separate world — one we have felt together.
What is it like working with directors — do they give you full trust, or do you have some disagreements sometimes throughout the creative process?
Working with a director is, first and foremost, about mutual trust. It’s the desire to listen and to be heard. Disagreements always arise — and that’s normal. In fact, they are what ignite the creative process. Because it’s in those points of tension that real ideas are born.
Do you watch your own performances? How do you experience them — do you immerse yourself in the moment, or do you focus on every detail as a creator?
Yes, I do watch my performances. And when possible, I come to see them from time to time — to make sure everything works the way it was intended. That every detail stays in its place, that the set design, costumes, and lighting look and feel exactly as they did on opening night. Rarely do I get to just enjoy the moment — though sometimes it happens. But honestly, I always worry. It’s part of the process: control, attention, emotion — they never completely switch off.
What’s your favorite phase of the creative process: imagining, sketching, production — or the moment the curtain rises?
The most emotional moment is, of course, when the curtain rises. But the process of creation itself is no less important to me. That feeling when an idea is born — it’s incredible. I’m very dependent on those states. I want to go back again and again to that place where everything begins.
How do you stay creatively inspired during long and technically intense productions, especially when the “magic” of it starts to feel far away?
These days, I only take on projects I fall in love with. That’s a huge privilege — and one I couldn’t always afford. But today I can clearly sense it: from the very first meeting with the team, I know whether it’s “mine.” Whether I can give something to the project — and whether I’ll get something in return. If I take it on, it’s with great desire and inspiration. The process can be difficult, some things may not work out, but that very first feeling — falling in love with the production — I hold onto very carefully. That’s what gives me strength.
MY THEATRE by Dariia Bila @mytheatre.by.dariiabila
Your brand “MY THEATRE” was born from your theatrical experience. How do you translate the visual language of the stage into fashion meant for real life?
I don’t think I translate it artistically — because my inner process in creating a stage production and in creating a collection is absolutely the same. I see a person in space, I see the light, the image, the dynamics. But technically — these are two completely different worlds. In theater, everything is made for durability: costumes must withstand rehearsals, run-throughs, setups and takedowns, daily performances, washing, movement, dance, physical strain. These are different fabrics, a different way of thinking — even hooks and linings must be technically resilient.
In MY THEATRE, I allow myself a completely different approach. Here, there are delicate hand techniques that would be impossible in theater — embroidery, beading with pearls and stones, various decorative techniques, jewelry buttons, and a lot, a lot of handwork with natural fabrics. Here I know that this piece will live not on stage, but in life — and life itself will become its performance.
Your projects are always highly creative and emotionally charged. What keeps you going during difficult times — both emotionally and creatively?
My biggest source of support is my husband. He believes in me, inspires me, and supports me. He is the only one who feels me so deeply. He is my inspiration. And, of course, my team. I’m happy to have the opportunity to work with such people.
Do you design with a specific person or “character” in mind when working on a collection? Who is the MY THEATRE wearer to you?
That’s a very good question. Almost every collection I dedicate to a production I’ve created. So the vibe and theme are the emotions I’ve experienced through the plot, music, and staging. It’s not really about a specific person, but about a state — a feeling. Where everyone is the main actor of their own life. And the collections are like moods and states you can choose for yourself today.
Mr. Pillow
How and when was this project born in your life — and was there a particular moment that made you realize it was truly meaningful?
Mr. Pillow was born by chance — in a hotel room, during a trip. I just noticed a pillow on the bed, and suddenly I saw a smile in it. Wide and soft. It was a very warm feeling. Stories began to appear in my head on their own, and I started imagining Mr. Pillow’s world: what he’s like, who his friends are, where he lives, what he loves. In fact, I created him for myself. For my younger self. For when I was lonely, when I was afraid of the monsters under the bed. These stories are like me telling them to that little girl who needed a hug.
Maybe that’s why children feel this sincerity and love my Mr. Pillow so much. The feeling of true importance came during the full-scale war, when we were invited to meet children at Gen.Ukrainian — a charitable organization supporting military families, children of fallen soldiers, and displaced persons. After the first meeting and the touching feedback, I realized: these are not just stories. This is a character with a mission. He came into the world to be there — at the moment he’s needed most. And children definitely feel it.
What’s different about the way you create for “Mr. Pillow” compared to stage or fashion — emotionally and creatively?
This is the brightest thing I create. In this world, there are no conflicts. There, I speak to myself with love, I’m gentle with myself. It’s like I’m addressing my younger self — through Mr. Pillow. I create a space where everything is possible. A space where it’s safe to dream, to rejoice — to be yourself.
All of Mr. Pillow’s stories revolve around dreams. Do you see dreaming as a creative engine or more of a refuge?
Definitely an engine! Because nothing is impossible, especially in Mr. Pillow’s world — and I often learn from him myself.
Leadership
Has your relationship with self-doubt changed as you’ve grown your brand and worked across different art forms?
I don’t think so. My relationship with doubt hasn’t really changed. It’s just that now I don’t have much time for it. That’s all 🙂 Maybe that’s why I work so much — so I don’t leave too much room for doubts.
Are you your own harshest critic, or are you able to recognize and celebrate your successes as they happen?
Yes. I can. Now I’m learning to slow down and capture these moments in my memory.
Is there a dream project you haven’t done yet — in theater, fashion, or books — that you still hope to create someday?
I dream of doing a couture show in Paris for MY THEATRE.
And with Mr. Pillow, I dream of creating a big animated film — in collaboration with Disney. His world already lives inside me, and I know for sure: he can become a hero for millions of children. I already see how he moves, how he speaks. And of course, I dream of Mr. Pillow in Disneyland, where children can visit him and immerse themselves in a world of extraordinary adventures.