3 Russian Fashion Designers That Need To Be On Your Radar

At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia, over 70 Eastern European designers presented collections. I was a huge fan of the Saint-Tokyo show and was also blown away by the following three designers.

Kondakova

Anastasia Kondakova’s collection was a surprising breath of fresh air. With chiffon dresses, lightweight coats, and pretty suits, it was feminine, flirty, and fun. There is an ethereal quality to her clothes—a lightness and ease—that’s ideal for the modern, busy working women. Her color palette, white, sky blue, lavender, red, nude, and yellow, is decidedly girlie. Kondakova selects her fabrics at Italian, Parisian, and Spanish exhibitions and she also incorporates Portuguese cottons into the mix. A starfish print featured prominently on drop waist dresses and long, flowing robes. Although it was hard to imagine Kondakova’s clothing being wearable in Moscow’s chilly climate—it seems better suited for strolling along Worth Street in Palm Beach—that is what made her presentation a memorable standout.

Alexandr Rogov

I first came across Alexandr Rogov’s clothing while browsing the racks at pop-up shop Section at the Gum mall adjacent to the Red Square. Rogov’s collection was playful and sporty in bright washes of color. His show proved to be an exciting one with an eclectic mixture of styles and colors. Kelly green, pink, orange, purple, cream, teal, black, florals—every color was represented. The same goes for the fabrics—silk, satin, sequins, and sweatshirt material were featured. Many of the looks reminded me of Shelly Long’s character in Troop Beverly Hills. An asymmetrical green satin skirt was paired with a black tee layered over a pink long-sleeved leotard. A pink scarf tied at the neck made the ensemble feel like a sexy, grown-up Girl Scout. Other looks brought to mind The Royal Tenenbaums and the tennis and track suits that several of the characters wear as uniforms in the film. Sporty skirt suits, cropped sweatshirts, chic stripes, and irreverent details (like flames on t-shirts where a woman’s nipples would be) showed that Rogov doesn’t take himself—or fashion—too seriously.

Mach & Mach

Mach & Mach was established by two sisters Gvantsa and Nina Macharashvili who have been gaining traction in the US—thanks to Katy Perry who is a fan. With sequins, sequins, and more sequins, their collection was like the New Year’s Eve party of my dreams. It was moody and chic. An ombre tuxedo dress with oversized sleeves was the eye-catching opener of the glittering presentation. Many dresses were see-through with pretty floral appliqués or sequined hearts delicately placed on the sheer mesh material. Prints were fantastical and fun—there was a tropical pineapple suit and red and black plaid jacket. Menswear influences were seen in the boxiness of jackets, but it wasn’t over powering and there was an underlining femininity to the collection. There was a sense of girl power in the air that was enhanced by the celebratory nature of the clothing. I’m dying to get my hands on a dress to wear to holiday parties!