Perhaps you aren’t familiar with couturier Ulyana Sergeenko’s designs, but if you’re a street style aficionado, then you have surely seen the Russian beauty wearing high-fashion as effortlessly as models on the runway. She has transformed her ’50s inspired style into her very own collection. Sergeenko’s second couture show for Spring 2013 champions femininity at its finest with designs that are unabashedly retro and meld a slew of influences from both her native Russia and the good old USA. From puff-sleeve dresses made even daintier with embellished lace fingerless gloves and a bow-detailed hat to thigh-baring shorts that are equal parts poolside and pinup, the looks surely aren’t steeped in modernity, but they are overflowing with charm.
Sheer poet-sleeve blouses, high-waist cropped trousers, bubble-hem shorts: Sergeenko surely lays on the coquette here. What’s really on display is the expert level of craftsmanship: mesh and fringe living together on the same garment, raw edges that only heighten the beauty of a jacquard dress, sultry peeks of skin with bustier bra tops, and so much more. Though new to the game, it is clear that she knows how to accentuate and elevate the female form.
Lady Gaga has gravitated toward Sergeenko’s pieces, but I think some of her creations will also look great on the likes of Kerry Washington and Naomie Harris. With their petite frames, the collection’s retro-inspired gowns will be daring choices, but should work perfectly, at least from a fit standpoint.
Some of the looks do err on the side of costume. A Hollywood starlet might be able to make a high-waist, floor-length full skirt work with a bustier top, but I doubt she’ll have the same luck with Hester Prynne-esque frocks that will surely have their wearers labeled with a scarlet letter from the fashion community.
Thoughts on the collection?
Images: Style.com
January 23, 2013 9:16 am
Wearable art! Bravo!
January 23, 2013 9:27 am
I enjoy the pieces, very theatrical. They might need to get a bit toned down to be wearable.
Blessings
January 23, 2013 11:06 am
Love…every.single.piece. Very Scarlet O’Hara.
January 23, 2013 11:08 am
I love the mix of the collection…it goes from a scene in Gone with the Wind to a sexy pinup girl….I absolutely adore it. True couture!!
January 23, 2013 11:58 am
looooooooveeee!!!!!!!!!
January 23, 2013 12:31 pm
There are some really striking shapes and silouettes with this collection. It feels fresh and easy, despite the volume in some of the pieces, but sadly for me its the volume that works against it….as some of these pieces just looks too heavy…
January 23, 2013 12:54 pm
This looks amazing….
January 23, 2013 3:37 pm
I thought the collection had some amazing statement pieces and I completely understood the direction the designer was aiming for.
January 23, 2013 4:23 pm
this…is….AMAZING!!!! YES!!! GIVING ME LIFE!
January 23, 2013 6:50 pm
YESSSSS!!! I LOVE THIS COLLECTION!!!
January 25, 2013 2:12 am
Love!!
January 28, 2013 4:12 pm
Modern day Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind. Easily translateable into today’s street style.
January 28, 2013 10:46 pm
If someone does not wear the green gown to the oscars I will just die!!!!!!