From Russia With Love…

 

{mosimage}Held from the 1^st – 9^th April, this seasons Russian Fashion Week presented catwalk shows from over 70 designers. Russia, it seems, has become the fashion Mecca of Eastern Europe. Just seven seasons old the Russians take the business of fashion very seriously. Not only with the promotion of their own creative talent but on an international level. Designers from all over the globe understand the importance of brand positioning in a country that is rapidly growing and gaining marketplace dominance.

 

 

Alexandre Shumsky, producer of Russian Fashion Week, commented: “Moscow is an international city, it is a destination. I believe RFW has played a strong role in the evolution of Moscow and Russia as a whole. We have seen a phenomenal influx of revered brands while simultaneously growing and exporting our own.”

 

 

Not one for doing things half-heartedly Shumsky pulled out all the stops transforming some of Moscow’s historical sites into Fashion Week venues, from Forum Hall in Red Square to the Kremlin Palace.

 

 

His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed; the Financial Times commented last January that Russian Fashion Week is: “Russia’s only enterprise of international standing, on a par with Milan or New York Fashion Weeks.”

 

 

 

This time around the event attracted over 7000 visitors – buyers, press and renowned guests flocked to check out the very latest Autumn/Winter 05/06 collections. Thinking global every step of the way Russian labels showed alongside talent from Ukraine, Belorussia, Georgia, Spain, Italy, UK and USA.

 

 

 

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Last season ‘British Day’ saw the likes of Matthew Williamson, Gharani Strok, Jenny Packham, Antoni & Alison, Taka-Naka and Sophia Kokosalaki showing off their Spring/Summer ranges. This time it was Spain’s turn, with designers such as Konrad Muhr, Isabel de Pedro, Masha Tsigal, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, and Armand Basi showing their wares. Although, UK based Jenny Packham made it back for another season, no doubt her glamorous evening frocks will do well with those well-heeled Russian ladies.  

 

 

 

Aside from all the Russian peasant styles and glitzy OTT sex bomb looks you could find some interesting design ideas. Up-and-coming names to watch include:

 

 

·         Svetlana Tegin

·         Karina Kazarian

·         Sultanna Frantsuzova

·         Arsenicum by ENTON

·         Two Gun Towers

·         Olga Romina

·         Lena Makashova

 

 

Key trends on the Autumn/Winter 05/06 Russian Fashion Week catwalks:

 

• Cropped bolero style jackets


• Colourful knits


• Re-worked sportswear shapes


• Slouchy trousers


• Fitted jackets worn with skinny denim jeans


• Full Russian peasant skirts


• Fur trims


• Arts and Crafts embellishments


• Delicate lace tops and trims


• Slinky eveningwear

 

 

For more information on Russian Fashion Week visit www.rfw.ru

 

Thanks to Maria Popova, International Affairs Director RFW.

 

 

 

By JoJo Iles