Chic and adventurous models and couturiers have been spread all over the Russian capital for Moscow Fashion Week, flaunting their designs in venues ranging from a sprawling Stalin-era propaganda exposition to a large park near the Kremlin admired for its innovative features.
More than 100 shows were held during the week that began last Monday (June 20), as well as scores of speakers who are noted names in the Russian fashion industry.
The fashion week wrapped up on Sunday (June 26).
Among the major names that showed their clothes include Slava Zaitsev and Valentin Yudashkin.
The center of the action had 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 that juts out over the Moscow River, an epic runway for models.
Many other shows were held in VDNKh, built to show the "people’s economic achievements” and renowned for its array of elaborate Stalinist architecture.
In one of the week’s memorable images, models in up-to-the-minute couture sauntered past the huge Friendship of People’s fountain that features golden women in idealised peasant dress.
The shows took place amid the pressures of increased sanctions against Russia because of fighting in Ukraine and the withdrawal of many foreign businesses.
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’ll have more clients. If you only rely on the fact that some brands have left and someone’s place has been vacated, nothing will change only because of them leaving. You need to work.” – AP
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