VOGUE Elizaveta Kutis November 23, 2018

Who’s Dressing Fashion-Forward Doctors?
Meet Elizaveta Kutis, the Visionary Designer Making Medical Uniforms Stylish with Decorative Stitching, Unique Fastenings, and Asymmetrical Designs

A strict dress code can be a challenge, even for the most fashionable professionals. While office workers might still find ways to incorporate pencil skirts, plaid blazers, and chic blouses into their wardrobes, women in uniforms—clocking in from 9 to 6—often have no such options. Recognizing that everyone deserves to feel stylish and confident at work, Dr. Elizaveta Kutis has reimagined medical uniforms, bringing them into the world of modern fashion. Her Poison Atelier line of medical coats, tops, and pants is crafted with high-quality fabrics, adorned with decorative stitching, functional pockets, zippers, and ties—without ever crossing the boundaries of professional dress codes. Dr. Kutis shared her journey and unique perspective on medical fashion with Vogue Russia.

Original article in Vogue Russia

How It All Started
"One of my most uncomfortable memories from working in a hospital was how we all dressed exactly the same. It was like going to a party where five other women are wearing your exact dress—every single day. With hair tucked into caps, short nails painted with clear polish, minimal makeup, and no perfume, it’s hard to stand out. For anyone who values individuality, it can feel suffocating. That’s when I realized I wanted to help my colleagues. That idea led to Poison Atelier—a line of beautiful, high-quality medical uniforms that people would actually enjoy wearing."

What Doctors Want to Wear
"Doctors want to look different from nurses, and department heads want uniforms that reflect their leadership roles. But no one talks about it, because it’s seen as unimportant. You’re a doctor—someone who took the Hippocratic Oath and dedicated their life to helping others. That’s supposed to be all that matters. Medical professionals are taught not to think about their appearance. In some hospitals, men and women even change in shared dressing rooms. But I believe doctors should have the right to choose what they wear to work."

What Patients Want to See
"Patients feel more confident when they see a well-dressed doctor. We all want to be treated in modern clinics with comfortable rooms and the latest technology. A doctor in a baggy, poorly made coat doesn’t fit that picture. When patients see a polished, professional-looking doctor, it makes a difference."

Designing with Insight
"When creating a collection, I focus on details only an insider would know. For example, a dentist’s uniform is completely different from what a cosmetologist wears. No designer in the world understands the specific needs for a veterinarian’s top or the must-have details for a pediatrician’s coat—only someone with medical experience truly knows these nuances."

The Right Materials
"Our pieces need to look great and be practical for use in the operating room—a serious challenge. But with today’s advanced technology and skilled specialists, it’s possible to create high-tech fabrics that check all the boxes. Our fabrics combine natural cotton, synthetic fibers, spandex, special coatings, and even silver threads that help prevent bacterial growth."

Finding Inspiration
"I always picture the doctor I’m designing for. I imagine the city she lives in, the coffee she drinks in the morning, and her general mood. Doctors themselves inspire me—they’re so diverse, representing all nationalities and walks of life. Some are tall and red-haired with fair skin, while others are dark-skinned with thick, shiny hair and honey-colored eyes.

Traveling is another big source of inspiration for me. I love observing people from different cultures. If there’s a hospital or even a small emergency clinic near the hotel where I’m staying, I make it a point to stop by and see how people work and dress there. I see huge potential in Latin America—women there love dressing up, frequently change their medical uniforms, and aren’t afraid to invest in high-quality pieces."

Looking Ahead
"In the future, I want to create more niche collections. My goals include opening my own retail network across different regions of Russia and continuing to grow internationally.

Original link Vogue Russia: https://www.vogue.ru/fashion/news/kto_odevaet_modnyh_vrachej