MOSCOW (AP) — Sleek and adventurous models and couturiers have spread out across the Russian capital for Moscow Fashion Week, flaunting their designs in venues ranging from a sprawling Stalin-era propaganda exhibition to a large park near the Kremlin admired for its innovative features. .
More than 100 shows will take place during the week that started on Monday, as well as dozens of speakers who are prominent names in the Russian fashion industry.
Among the main names showing their garments are Slava Zaitsev and Valentin Yudashkin.
The center of the action has been Zaryadye Park, built where the vast and unwelcoming Hotel Rossiya once stood, just east of the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral. The park’s most famous feature is an elliptical ramp jutting out over the Moscow River, an epic runway for models.
Many other shows are held at VDNKh, built to showcase the “economic achievements of the people” and famous for its array of elaborate Stalinist architecture. In one of the week’s memorable images, models in late-night haute couture walked in front of the enormous Friendship of Peoples fountain that features gilded women in idealized peasant dresses.
The shows take place amid pressure from increased sanctions against Russia due to the fighting in Ukraine and the withdrawal of many foreign companies. But designer Yulia Skalatskaya said her work is thriving nonetheless.
“I experienced some difficulties, but at the same time, to be honest, our sales have grown,” she said. “If you work well, if you make good collections, then you will have more clients. If you just rely on the fact that some brands are gone and someone’s spot has become vacant, nothing will change just because they’re gone. You need to work.”
Source: apnews.com