As the days of Summer slowly fade into Fall, we not only welcome cooler temperatures, but also Winter fashion. Enter the A/W 2016 collection by conceptual Latvian designer Keta Gutmane. We featured the designer's stellar Spring line a few months ago and had the privilege of speaking to her about her unique approach to creating garments and her particular narrative for those pieces. Ms. Gutmane returns with a new point of view and works that exemplify her love of fabrics and attention to detail.
*click images to enlarge
The AW16 collection researches uniformity and the rather mundane lack of composure of the 1980’s Soviet Empire. It serves as a reminder of those brave effeminate women, donning boyish silhouettes, marching along the streets, keeping their households running. In a sense, they are liberated, freed from all restraints, standing up and rebelling against the establishment. This narrative clashes here with the overly loose construction, so omnipresent in the 90s.
As always, Ms. Gutman's designs are subservient to form and function. These are clothes for women who are actively seeking something more and these allow the wearer to be who they want to be. Uniquely cropped jackets, exaggerated silhouettes and breezy, yet elegant dresses make for a collection that exudes both sophistication and rebelliousness.
We love this collection's exploration of surface textures, and throughout the line we see brilliant uses of fabric to create architectural components. The understated collage is framed by cream whites, hues of beige, brown, blue and of course black. Lush wools and technical fabrics create an excellent combination of sleek and cozy.
AW 2016 is another successful line from this progressive designer. We love her high concept approach while still being able to keep the clothes wearable. The 1980's theme of this collection obviously speaks to us and the execution couldn't be better. Keta Gutmane continues to be one of the most interesting labels to watch and we look forward to more from this great designer. For more information, please visit Keta Gutmane and Facebook.
-JRS
Photography: Martins Cirulis
Art Director: Marlo Saalmink
Garments: all Keta Gutmane AW16
Shoes: all The Last Conspiracy
Model: Liene Podina
MUA: Aija Udentina
All images shot in Riga, Latvia.
