#anasekularac

(images via bfw)

we've seen the work of serbian designer ana šekularac a couple of times before (see a/w 2011 & a glimpse of s/s 2011), and while everyone seems generally pretty damn pleased with her, i unfortunately wasn't able to dredge up much in the way of actual hard facts.  however, wannabe magazine did write that the s/s 2012 range, presented at belgrade fashion week, was about (trans.) "inspiring women and allow(ing) them to express their freedom and love in a unique way." 

like homegirl's previous collections, the spring range was filled with ethereal little dresses, albeit mostly in short cocktail form in lieu of the midi and longer lengths she has issued in the past.  working with her characteristic gossamer materials like chiffon, satin, tulle, gauze, and silk, the palette was cooler than it has been in seasons past, with the serbian site press online pointing out that there were (trans.) "natural tones of white and colored powder": chalky gray, creamy beige, eggshell, midnight blue, aquamarine, and cobalt among them.  another article on the subject by wannabe magazine writes that the collection was (trans.) "characterized by a refined cuts made up of skilled and plisse layers." 

the seasons' all-powerful pleats made a strong appearance amongst ms. šekularac's frocks, and plenty of sculpted ruffles and asymmetrical layers, as well as some goddess-y one-shouldered creations gave the range a less-structured feel than in seasons past.  instead, there was a certain underwater creature-type feeling, as if the models had just emerged from the depths for a quick frolic along the surface.  it was beautiful and heavenly, but i have to admit that i was a little more in sync with the designer's slightly stronger and geometric looks of fall.  nevertheless, fashion and style by vanja m. reports that ms. šekularac, who is london-based, is now selling her wares at harrods.  so i expect i won't be long before she's showing on a larger platform, non?

(images via bfw)

like valentin yudashkin in moscow, according to the bfw site, serbian-born british designer ana šekularac first debuted her f/w 2011 collection in paris, before bringing it to display in belgrade, and though i'm tempted to give her a verbal bitch slap, the range is simply too good. 

the collection consisted of celestial dresses, in red, white, black, cream, and beige; diaphanous and gossamer, but often with architectural qualities beneath that, the strong lines reminding us that the girl might seem delicate under so much frill, but perhaps there was more substance than as first appeared. 

"Fashion has regained its Magic," the bfw site informs us the french press wrote of the collection, and the article i found to correspond with that quote (although, strangely enough, no one individually seems to have surfaced to take credit for it) writes that ballet was among the designer's references for the fall season. 

the designer launched her signature line at belgrade fashion week in 2005, after a turn as a model herself, and her biography notes that her design "signatures are the interlocking of colours, neo-modern architectural cut, excellent craftsmanship, superb execution and striking detailing. The Ana Sekularac signature colours are scarlet red and black and every season a third colour is chosen to set the mood." 

while the designer may have shown in some of the bigger cities, i'm still slightly stunned by the idea that she hasn't received more international acclaim and attention by now.  indeed, the fall show was so exceptional that not only were most of the dresses good enough to constitute hits, but i find it difficult to take my eyes from the pictures.  it's rare that something is so thoroughly artful and commercial at once, but ms. šekularac's pieces resoundingly quality for that title (and, if i may, evoke a little rodarte, though i tend to like this line better for its underlying toughness).