Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days wrapped up on Sunday. With Anton Belinskiy a LVMH Prize semifinalist earlier this year, and Anna October on the 2014 short list, more eyes are on the Ukraine capital than ever, and the city’s Spring ’16 collections didn’t disappoint. The season brought newcomers like Marianna Senchina and Chakshyn to the fore, along with must-see collections from Belinskiy and October. Don’t miss our street style coverage of the event, and read on for our highlights.
1. Wear Your Tag on Your Sleeve
Forget cutting the care labels out of the inside of your clothes. Chakshyn designers Dima Chayun and Anton Yakshyn took the laundry tag, supersized it, and attached it to the backs of coats and tank dresses. You’ll never put dark colors through the hot cycle again.
2. Your Favorite Summer Shoe Gets a Makeover
The Russian word lapti is slang for “cheap shoes,” but L.A.P.T.I.’s footwear is anything but. Born and bred in the Ukrainian shore city of Odessa, the brand’s espadrille soles come in leather sneakers and slip-on styles. In bubblegum pink, cream, and sky blue, the shoes are a charming way to give yourself a chic boardwalk feel all year long.
3. The Rise of Shorts-Pants
Maybe you’re tired of pants? Maybe it’s too cold for shorts? Ksenia Schnaider introduced a smart transitional combo: slouchy shorts, sliced at the knee, which seamlessly segue into a pair of tailored trousers. Watch for this slice-and-dice style to make its way Stateside.
See all the looks from the Ksenia Schnaider show here.
4. Gucci’s Furry Slides Have Nothing on These Sandals
It was into the wild at RCR Khomenko. Models were given the Mother Nature treatment, with makeup made to look like dirt and walking sticks, and the designer tacked blades of grass onto the models’ shoes for a cheeky take on the summer sandal.
See all the looks from the RCR Khomenko show here.
5. The ’70s Are Still Trending in Kiev
The high-rolling dice! The gold-glazed fringe! The fired-up flares! If there was a breakout star of Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days, it was Marianna Senchina. The designer gave the ’70s a Las Vegas punch and a dollop of Dolly Parton. Think: cropped leather jackets with Elvis-like star-studded shoulders and JNCO-proportioned pants—all guaranteed to attract the attention of street style photographers.
6. Shiny, Pretty Things at Anna October
The glass beaded necklaces and teardrop earrings created by photography duo Synchrodogs at Anna October were the stars of the show. Bonus detail: Profits from the jewelry go to Ukrainian charities to help children’s homes.
See all the looks from the Anna October show here.
7. Belinskiy’s Cult Comes to the Runway
Anton Belinskiy recruited his cult following of cool kids, giving regular fans of the label a place on the catwalk alongside boldface models.
See all the looks from the Anton Belinskiy show here.
See the best street style from Kiev Fashion Days Spring 2016:
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