When I arrived at the Kristian Aadnevik show on Sunday night, a vodka-fuelled cocktail party was in full swing and it wasn’t hard to imagine you had arrived in Tbilisi, Georgia, the city that inspired the AW14 collection. Eastern European beauties cloaked in fur and Louboutins rubbed shoulders with glamourous London socialites, many of whom were wearing his designs.
The collection itself was loved by its audience, particularly its star-studded front row, which included cast members from Made in Chelsea and Meet the Russians. It was easy to see the connection with the Georgian inspiration as Baroque, Classical and Persian artistic styles that are so often found in Georgian architecture were weaved together to create beautiful and intricate lace and silk chiffon dresses. Despite an eclectic reference point, the collection was uniquely identifiable as Kristian Aadnevik, with the label’s signature leather and studs contrasting with the delicate designs.
Particularly striking pieces were a smoky blue-violet silk chiffon gown with black lace sleeves, a gold lace corset dress and a jacket in a black and gold baroque print, which was arguably one of the most wearable pieces from the collection. Another notable piece was a powder grey fur coat with diamante detailing at the elbows that had several people in the front row ready to order it at first glance.
Whilst the collection didn’t particularly offer anything new or innovative in terms of design, it was rather refreshing to see a collection at London Fashion Week that was unashamed in its glamour, femininity and beauty, something normally more at home at Milan Fashion Week. Fans of the label’s previous collections will not have been disappointed and it will no doubt soon be making appearances on the red carpet and pages of top magazines the world over. I’m already excited for the next collection from Kristian Aadnevik.
With thanks to Sophie Hollins fashiontent's original 'Girl about town' for reviewing this show.
