Roslyne McQuillan
Revolutionary Opulance
Through attending exhibitions of the works of Rodchenko and Malevich the collections original inspiration was from the Constructivist Art movement which ourished in Russia in the early 20th century. This led to investigating the background to the Russian Revolution in particular the life of Tsar Nicholas II (Nikolai Aleksandrovich Romano), his family and supporters in the years preceding the 1917 Revolution The study of the transition period between imperialism and communism has led to exploration of court dress worn by Tsar Nicholas II, family, government offcials, court staff and in addition the uniforms worn by both the “White” and “Red” armies examples of which are located at the Musee d’larmie Paris.
Constructivist and Supremacist art movements have provided shape and silhouette as well as the style lines of the collection. Military detailing from the uniforms of the Red and White armies have been used to inuence detail, tailoring and cut. The overall appearance of the collection is a hybrid of suitings and wools with sportswear detail
to refresh this historical theme. Embroidery and print refect the opulence of the Imperialist regime. A balance of textiles and design provide an overall vintage feel introducing elements of brighter colour that lift the collection.
The collection sits in the luxury high-end ready- to-wear sector, with a market level similar to that of Dries Van Noten, Philip Lim3:1, Kenzo and Haider Ackerman. Designers which have focus on fabrication and cross blend of sportswear and tailoring.