Ethnic motifs enjoy popularity among designers
National motifs beyond traditional linen dresses and embroidered blouses were on display on the catwalk, with
each collection truly unique. The Centre of Folk Crafts — Skarbnitsa — has made a thorough study of folk costumes, finding examples from across the regions and villages, to ensure that designs are authentic.
From Pinsk’s Polesie Knitting Factory, designer Anton Yaroshchik, notes, “I’ve tried to expand the range of clothes enjoying popularity, placing Belarusian motifs on modern ‘day’ dresses, and adding gold embellishment in some cases. I also use hand made accessories, made from glass, felt and acrylic crystals.” Anton’s collection of sweatshirts, wrap scarves, fleeces and puff gilets, aimed at young people, comprised 12 stylish outfits with their own artistic interpretation of folk traditions.
Minsk’s Elen Carotte workshop presented its vision of school uniform — made from linen. Designer Diana Loveikina is a fan of natural materials, commenting, “They’re always on trend.” Minsk designer Yelena Sergeeva’s felt collection of coats, earrings and beads also hit a high note.
The Director of the National Beauty School, Yelena Troitskaya, tells us that the festival is a pilot project. “We presented just 12 collections, although we received many more applications. We plan to continue the project in spring. To ensure a spirit of competition between designers, we’ll also organise a contest. Apart from traditional prizes, winners will receive the opportunity to present their works and attend master classes abroad,” she comments.
By Natalia Uryadova
