The new generation designers, Fiona Sinha and Aleksandar Stanic are to showcase their design talents during February’s London Fashion week. The duo launched their label SINHA—STANIC last September when their collection was shown as part of the inaugural Fashion Fringe catwalk. They have since signed a contract with AEFFE, the prestigious Italian luxury goods company and Topshop’s New Generation scheme.
The Autumn/Winter 2005–6 collection focuses on the concept of reviving aged garments in order to produce feminine and luxurious pieces with a strong emphasis on detail. The innovative designers’ talents for fine tailoring and soft draping are apparent throughout the collection. Fabric is layered to create the delicate silhouette that encompasses the body.
The designers have used various techniques to create the unique and original collection. Simple slip skirts have been embellished with hand-beaded lace trim; silk jerseys have been sand-blasted to reflect various colours from different angles using light to create a sun-bleached effect. Garments have been washed using various techniques so the fabric absorbs an entirely new character.
The idea of transforming something that was once tattered to become unique and bespoke was of great interest to the designers. Both designers were inspired by various photographers who captured the marvellous ingenuity of the clothes people wore during the American depression.