Liliana Petrova – Lulu: A Multifaceted Bulgarian Artist
Liliana Petrova – Lulu is a Bulgarian artist with a versatile talent, whose work transcends the boundaries of traditional painting to merge with fashion, design, and graphic art.
After completing her studies at the National High School of Arts in Sofia, Lulu continued her education at the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts and New Bulgarian University. She developed a unique style that blends classical and contemporary techniques. Her first solo exhibition took place in 2005 at the "Irida" gallery in Sofia. She has exhibited in galleries in London, Florence, New York, Cannes, Abu Dhabi, and various cities across Bulgaria. In 2018, New York's ArtTour International magazine included her among the top 60 most prominent artists worldwide.
For several years, she worked as a costume designer in various reality TV formats, as well as in other sectors of the Bulgarian film industry. Passionate about fashion and beauty, Lulu founded her own boutique and artistic clothing brand, “BYLLU”.
- Left: Sport set "Flying with Chains".
- Right: The painting "Flying with Chains", part of the exhibition "Life with Crown", which inspired the concept behind the Byllu fashion brand.
Lulu, what motivated you to create your own brand?
The idea of creating this artistic fashion brand was born from my desire to bring art out of galleries and dedicated spaces. I wanted it to move freely among people, on the streets, transformed into unique and extraordinary garments. I called this project “Wearable Art”. My goal is to fuse art and fashion into a single entity, creating designs guided by this synthesis.
Both in my paintings and my garments, I tell stories. I love working with images, vibrant and contrasting colors, expressive lines, and forms that blend seamlessly. When I transfer these paintings onto clothing, I pay particular attention to composition and how it shapes the body. That’s why I design garments with a clean and essential aesthetic, avoiding unnecessary details that could weigh down the structure.
A fundamental aspect for me is the fabric: choosing the right material for each piece, ensuring fluid movement and comfort. Besides aesthetics and originality, my clothing must also be practical and comfortable. They should make the wearer feel happy, unique, and special.
I don’t have a physical store—my designs are sold exclusively online.
What is the biggest challenge in merging art with everyday life?
For me, the biggest challenge is finding the right image, the ideal color composition, or the emotional state to work on. Many of my paintings take on a special role in the garments I create. The figures I paint come to life on the clothing, transforming into three-dimensional, dynamic forms.
What is your connection with Italy?
Since childhood, I dreamed of getting closer to Italy—watching films, reading books about my favorite artists and painters, studying art history, and listening to its extraordinary music. I have traveled extensively in Italy and love it in all its facets.
My first major exhibition took place in Florence. I was invited to participate in a group exhibition at Galleria Mentana, a charming gallery with over 40 years of history, located right behind Michelangelo's David. I still remember my racing heartbeat as I presented my paintings there. The critics and media spoke highly of me, and I became one of the gallery’s resident artists. I believe this place played a pivotal role in my international artistic journey.
Another one of my great aspirations was to visit Sicily, particularly Cefalù. I planned that trip for years, and finally, the day came when I arrived. I signed up for a tour and traveled with a dear friend and colleague. As soon as I stepped into the square and saw the majestic cathedral, I was deeply moved. I stood still, overwhelmed by the sight and the emotions it stirred in me.
At that moment, I thought: One day, I will exhibit my work here—this is my place. And now, ten years later, that day is coming with my upcoming exhibition and fashion show at Ottagono – Il Duomo di Cefalù.
A strange twist of fate was that I never took my return flight to Bulgaria. I was supposed to stay in Sicily for a week, but I ended up living there for a year and a half. I traveled, painted, fell in love, and lived happily…
Liliana Petrova Receives the "Artistic Fashion Merit" Award
During the "Ago d'Oro" 2024 fashion show, marking the 30th anniversary of the Academy of Fashion in Sofia, Liliana Petrova was honored with the "Artistic Fashion Merit" award. The recognition was presented to her by Professor Lyubomir Stoykov.
When will the exhibition in Cefalù take place, and what can visitors expect?
I had the honor of being invited by the Mayor of Cefalù to present my art, along with my new collection of artistic clothing and accessories, in this enchanting location.
The opening will take place on July 11, 2025, accompanied by a fashion show titled "Light and Color Everywhere"—a true artistic spectacle with a minimalist touch, where painting, fashion, music, and dance will merge into a single experience.
The exhibition will remain open until July 25. Right now, I’m in the midst of preparations and feel an overwhelming sense of excitement for this event!