Simachev's New Year's T-shirts

 

Since according to the Chinese calendar the year 2011 is the year of the Cat, my favorite Russian designer Denis Simachev has made a limited edition T-shirts with the famous cat showman Yuri Kuklachev.  He's famous for being obsessed with cats and having his own cat circus.  The purchase of the t-shirts which are sold exclusively in Simachev boutiques, automatically enrol your name on the guest-list of the Simachev Shop&Bar's New Year's party.

Miaw.

Denis Simachev is BACK!!!

Denis Simachev, a Russian designer who I've blogged about in the past, is back on the scene! I'm so excited about his latest project called "The 15 brotherly republics". The concept is that the extravagant designer will tour all of the ex-USSR countries and dedicate an individual collection for each one. The whole collection of 15 countries will then be shown in Paris by next year. The whole thing kicked off in Kiev, with Ukrainian-inspired outfits, in what I assume is Buddha Bar, judging by the pictures. I can't believe the irony! I was sitting in that exact bar a few weeks back. I was in Kiev one month ago and I spent the whole day running up and down the city looking for one of his boutiques! In the end, all of the addresses that were online were outdated and I didn't get my hands on any of his pieces, although an acquaintance in Kiev had kindly offered to take me to the local market to pick up a t-shirt with soviet memorabilia after hearing me explain who Simachev is and seeing the tragic expression in my eyes. That's totally not the same though! Anyhow, there has been loads of criticism coming Simachev's way, with people saying that he's repeating the whole USSR theme and that it's getting boring but I completely disagree. That's the niche that he had cleverly snatched for himself in the fashion industry and that is his signature look. If you don't want to see any of his ironic and nostalgic slogans on a chochloma-printed T-shirt then Dolce is probably somewhere across the road. Don't hate, I'm sad that I didn't think of it first too, but the fact is that he may not be the next Christian Dior in terms of tailoring but he is very clever and conceptual. To embrace the Russians' love for labels, he even stitches his name on a place where it will be visible. Tacky you say? I say ironic. I will get my hands on him sooner or later. Just you wait.

Traditional Ukranian cap

Star-printed maxi dress is exquisite

Check out the stitching on the back of the skirt

All images lifted from vogue.ru

Miaw.

From Russia With Love

The T-shirt on the right says I heart rich and famous, followed by a list of names like Courtney Love


Ok I know that this is not exactly the newest collection but I just HAD TO share the work of Russian fashion designer Denis Simachev with you!!! His work reflects decadent Russian culture, especially the 90s and i just find it so beautiful in its kitsch and luxurious tackiness (that's what Russians usually like anyway). The designs on the red floral leggings is called khokhloma and is traditional Russian pattern for decorating crockery etc. Simachev uses it on his trademark suits. The lady on bottom right is meant to represent the russian matrioshka doll and her rosy cheeks and a long thick plait are the symbols of Russian female beauty. In order to understand why the concept of 2 scary-looking dudes wearing fur coats with thick golden chains and crosses is entertaining to me, you have to know what was happening in Motherland during the 90s. It was a time when the Russian mafia ("bratki" lol) reigned the streets and they manifested their new wealth through their outfits such as golden and very thick golden chains, gold teeth, fur coats and raspberry coloured blazers. The bottom line is that Simachev is basically taking the piss and cashing in on the culture. Genius! Why didn't I think of that??? You'll be seeing more of his work on my blog. Ohhh ohhh and he also does custom-made iphones (simaphone.ru), PS3 and yummy furniture! I'm definitely making my beau get one of his khokhloma suits one day.

Miaw.