My Vilnius is a series of interviews that introduce you to people who call Vilnius their home. It’s all about the ordinary lives of extraordinary people and vice versa. Coming from Ukraine, Dmytro brought his sense and expertise in fashion to Vilnius, where he not only settled but also opened a hotspot for rare sneaker enthusiasts.
VP: Could you tell us more about your story?
Dmytro: I was born and raised in Kharkiv, a city of students and entrepreneurs. There, I received my first “fashion education,” not in a university but at a second-hand market. Imagine Humana, but 100 times bigger—endless rows of clothes from England, Sweden, Germany, and other developed countries.
I could spend hours roaming these markets, searching for something special—a Dries Van Noten coat or a first-line Alexander McQueen blazer. Some pieces I kept, others I sold to friends. At the same time, platforms like Highsnobiety and Hypebeast were emerging. Back then, they were just online magazines. Every morning, I started my day by reading their articles and diving deep into fashion news. This is how I learned about brands, how fashion conglomerates operate, and the retail industry as a whole.
I wanted to understand retail from the inside. So, during my final year at university, I started working as a sales consultant at a luxury women’s boutique, Hiton, managing brands like Giambattista Valli, Vivienne Westwood, Henderson, and Avtandil. In parallel, I launched my own fashion media project, Moonstore.it, focusing on men’s fashion in Ukraine. What made us different? We didn’t just write—we produced our own photoshoots and videos in collaboration with boutiques and brands.
In 2015, we landed a contract with Harper’s Bazaar Ukraine for media coverage, and my team and I moved to Kyiv. This led to attending major fashion events, like Pitti Uomo in Florence, Milan Fashion Week, and other industry-defining European shows. In 2016, I founded MoonStudio (now moonagency.lt), a creative marketing agency. Over 7 years, we worked with retail companies, fashion brands, and media, completing 130+ projects—which gave me deep expertise in fashion marketing.
In 2021, I completed a Pre-MBA at Ukraine’s top business school, MIM, where I learned systematic business management. So, if you ask how I ended up creating ADV Store—it feels like life has been preparing me for this all along. And now, I’m here to apply the best practices!
VP: As a first-time buyer, what can I expect to find at your store?
Dmytro: At ADV Store, you’ll find expert consultants to help you choose the perfect pair of sneakers tailored to your lifestyle and needs. Whether you need a pair for everyday comfort, city walks, travel, or outdoor adventures, we’ll aim to find the best fit for you.
From exclusive collaborations to iconic classics, every pair in our store is chosen purposefully—because the right sneakers make all the difference.
Our unique selection of brands includes:
- S.W.C. (London) – timeless sneakers with effortless style.
- Camper (Spain) – minimalist design with maximum comfort.
- Keen (USA) – built for adventure and urban life.
- Topologie (Japan) – modular bags for modern explorers.
Of course, we also carry industry giants like New Balance, Nike, and Saucony, but in exclusive models you won’t find everywhere else.
VP: What defines good sneakers? Are there any features buyers should consider prior to purchasing a pair?
Dmytro: Everyone has different priorities, but here are some key guidelines:
- 15-25 years old – trends, hype, fresh releases.
- 25-35 years old – balance between exclusivity and comfort.
- 35-55 years old – style and everyday functionality.
- 55+ years old – a comfort first.
Pro tip: Choose sneakers based on your lifestyle. For example, if your daily routine is home-office-gym-home, Gore-Tex sneakers might feel too hot and unnecessary. Most importantly, if a pair feels uncomfortable during the try-on, don’t buy it. Even a small discomfort will only get worse over time and can become a real problem.
Dmytro: Vilnius is a city rich in specialty coffee culture, with an impressive selection of third-wave cafés and a high standard of coffee preparation. Whether it’s a V60, Aeropress, or batch brew, you’ll find top-quality coffee in nearly every modern café. Also, just recently, the Michelin Guide visited Vilnius. I was excited to see some of my favorite spots receive stars and recommendations—a testament to the city’s evolving food and drink scene.
So, my usual week looks something like this: Mornings? Backstage on Vokiečių St. for a batch brew + lemon cake—my perfect combo. Friday evenings? A glass of wine at Vyno Vieta. Dinner? Somm for fine dining or Justa Pasta for a cozy, casual meal. Vilnius isn’t just a beautiful city—it’s a place where you can truly enjoy exceptional coffee, food, and wine experiences.
VP: How would you describe Vilnius to someone who has never been here before?
Dmytro: For me, Vilnius is my home. But if I had to describe it broadly, I’d say “the post-Soviet country that made it.” A clean, convenient, and beautiful city. Even the old Soviet-era neighborhoods are well-maintained and feel pleasant.
Minimal crime, I’ve never personally encountered any issues. And the nature is incredible. Just 20-30 minutes from the city, you’re in a dense forest with a crystal-clear lake. The air is cleaner than in the Alps. I’m truly passionate about nature and could talk about it for hours!
VP: Where can we find you in the digital sphere?
Dmytro: The trio would be the store’s website, advstore.lt, and Instagram @adv__lt, as well as my personal account @advandaed.
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