Celia Kritharioti pays homage to the 1920s, Yanina Couture to Audrey Hepburn

By

Triana Alonso

Translated by
Roberta HERRERA

Published
Jul 12, 2022

Elegance was further heightened with Celia Kritharioti and Yanina Couture's haute couture collections. The former, owner of the oldest Greek fashion house, held a show inspired by the 'Roaring Twenties' at the Monnaie de Paris. The latter, one of the most prominent names in the Russian fashion industry, opted out from organizing a physical fashion show, but was part of the haute couture week calendar by means of a digital presentation. 

The last golden sun rays of the afternoon illuminated Greek designer Celia Kritharioti's exuberant designs at the inner courtyard of the French monetary institution. The collection was inspired by the 1920s, reflecting the "hope and optimism that brought a breath of fresh air to Paris, tempering the sadness of the previous decade".

A century later, Kritharioti wanted to revive the "dream of a better, more optimistic and empathetic future".

The brand founded in 1906, known for having dressed celebrities such as Beyoncé, Khloe Kardashian and Camila Cabello, presented a collection loaded with its signature handmade embroidery and velvet or handmade lace pieces. Sultry beaded ensembles or sparkling fringed dresses made for an invitation to a carefree party along with a stunning short dress with magnificent ostrich feathers, a long and transparent metallic gown and an array of elegant evening looks with plunging backs made of organza or silk tulle. 

Meanwhile, the color palette sought to pay tribute to the Art Deco movement, tinting the pieces in elegant black and white, with flashes of gold and silver, as well as a touch of scarlet green.

Furthermore, the designer was accompanied on the catwalk by renowned models such as Elsa Hosk or Marianne Fonseca, the iconic Italian fashion journalist Anna dello Russo and German influencer Leonie Hane, who closed the show wearing a stunning white wedding dress adorned with sparkling rhinestones. 

While the Russian Embassy in Paris hosted Yanina Couture's last show during the last Haute Couture Week in January, the only Russian designer in the calendar opted for a discreet digital presentation this time, in an attempt to adapt to the current socio-political times. 

For her Fall/Winter 2022-23 collection, the designer once again sought inspiration in nature and made references to the legendary actress Audrey Hepburn. The Russian maison, with three decades of history in fashion, reinterpreted femininity with handmade embroidery, silk, velvet and Italian wool as well as sophisticated fitted dresses, with ruffles or puffed sleeves, breathtaking capes or suit jackets rendered in white, black, yellow, red or a subtle powder pink.