The artistic layers of the Baltics took centre stage at the 38th Riga Fashion Week organised by the Baltic Fashion Federation. The Latvian capital has become a hotspot for promising designers to show off their collections and the event was an immersive taste of what the region has to offer. Held mainly at office complex Verde from 8 – 11 April, this year’s fashion week revolved around the ethos “fashion is art” resulting in an array of collections that played with sculptural lines and classic femininity with nods to each designer’s artistic heritage from Lithuania to Estonia.
A standout collection came from Uzbek designer Moel Bosh. Her handmade designs were just as fascinating close-up as they were sashaying down the runway. Designed by Zuhra Inat with her daughters as part of the team, the brand blends traditionalism with modernity. Moel Bosh proved to be a master of technique, embellishing minimalist pieces with intricate flower embroidery. We may be in the era of muted minimalism but Moel Bosh did not shy away from contrasting classic shapes with bold maximalist prints and a bright colour palette. Structured long line coats came in vibrant hues like acid yellow and rosy fuschia. The designer particularly made use of an Indonesian dying technique called Ikat to create the eye-catching prints that adorned her pieces.
Riga Fashion Week was a celebration of women designers across the region. As a result, explorations of the feminine silhouette reigned on the catwalk, like Latvian designer Selina Keer who toyed with draping in her collection. From flapper-inspired tassle column dresses to a sultry nude two-piece featuring an off-the-shoulder bodice and a structured Dior-esque waist, creating drama through shape was the focus. There was also an experimental playfulness in the air represented by pops of colour and varied textures.
A week of local exhibitions and shows culminated in a theatrical finale show by BAÉ by Katya Shehurina. In collaboration with Adidas, the collection re-imagined sporty pieces into elevated evening wear. Think triple stripe garments layered under satin a-line gowns and popper tracksuit pants reworked into a dress. Shehurina’s creativity shined in the architectural elements of the collection where functional fabrics were fashioned into 3D flowers and contrasted with coquettish oversized bows. Although there was more to be desired when it comes to innovation, Riga Fashion Week proudly represents a developing and underrepresented niche in the European fashion calendar.
photography. Mark Litvyakov
words. Shama Nasinde
