Andrew's Russian Fashion Week Diary: Everything You Need to Know About Moscow's Emerging Style Scene
When I went to Russia with Teen Vogue in 2011, I definitely thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Little did I know, I would be back for a second (glorious) helping.
At the suggestion of my pal and street-style and off-duty model photographer Craig Arend, I set back out to Moscow to see how Russia does Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. With mystique and glamour to ease the super chilly temperatures, this recent trip proved to be a true sartorial adventure. I made a ton of new chic cohorts (including four new friends named Olga) and ate my fair share of smoked fish while immersing myself in the local scene.
Because of my sometimes-gregarious nature, I find Russia's naturally austere vibe to be a nice balance (opposites attract), and the directness almost refreshing at times. From a fashion standpoint, post-Soviet era Moscow is still undergoing a true evolution and finally getting the exposure it deserves, thanks in part to a slew of ridiculously stylish bloggers, It girls, models, and burgeoning designers. And even though I spent six whole days there and this was my second trip to Moscow, I can't help but feel I've only begun to scratch the surface. Here are just a few of the highlights from my magical trip.
_To read more about Andrew's Russian adventure, pick up our February issue on newsstands now. And to have Teen Vogue delivered every month, subscribe here! _
Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Bevan2/15Don't mind me—just taking a selfie in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour to show off my new very favorite Masterpeace hat given to me by the designer herself, Evgenia Linovich.
Photo: Courtesy of Galetsky4/15On to the runways! Here's a look from the Galetsky Spring 2015 collection. "What makes us unique is creating our designs in a country that has yet to build its fashion industry," explains designer Anton Galetsky. "I like the Soviet aesthetics—I find those times truly original! Our country's history is unique. Take, for example, the works of Russian avant-gardists and constructivists—it was a real cultural revolution of the time. I am sure that kind of art could only appear in Russia."
Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Bevan5/15It’s so exciting to discover fun, new labels just as they are breaking out. I had breakfast with Andrey Artyomov to learn more about his line Walk of Shame, which has been seen recently on Elle Fanning and is carried globally at Opening Ceremony. He walked me through his playfully chic ’80s-inspired collection, and of course I loved these two flashy pieces best. That night, he showed me the town, but only under the condition that I would do the same when he comes to New York!
Photo: Courtesy of Dasha Gauser6/15Designer Dasha Gauser's collection was whimsically inspired by penguins. She said, "I've studied art history in the university, hence the love for Russian art, literature and architecture. I even had a whole collection inspired by Malevich's Suprematism."
Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Bevan7/15Designer Vika Gazinskaya took me under her wing while I was in town. I stopped by her charming studio to check out her gorgeous current collection as well as some pieces from her past seasons. Of course I immediately gravitated toward this amazing monster coat!
Photo: Lena Sarapultseva and Nikolay Zverkov8/15I met up with 14-year-old fashion plate and Instagram star Stesha Malikova for a walk around the Red Square for part of my column in the February issue of Teen Vogue. She is wearing Gap jeans and a coat she bought at a market outside of Florence, Italy. Her cool bag is by Russian designer Alexander Arutyunov. Lena Sarapultseva and Nikolay Zverkov, a photographer couple that I became friends with last time I was in Moscow snapped some great photos, and this was one of the outtakes.
Photo: Courtesy of Ria Keburia9/15I loved Ria Keburia's quirky-cool toddler-inspired collection because it was different than anything I've ever seen. It was moody but still managed to have a sense of humor. According to Ria, her kind of woman is "modest, wealthy, calm, brave, stylish, artistic, and cute."
Photo: Craig Arend10/15Craig Arend captured this genuine moment of local color (pun intended!). Clearly, TV presenters Nadia Krugova, Snejina Kulova, Elena Lentc and Olga Karpukhova understand the sartorial value of a statement coat.
Photos: Courtesy of Andrew Bevan11/15Topping off my look with some unique headgear at the Masterpeace presentation. Who doesn't need a carrot crown in their wardrobe these days?
Photos: Courtesy of Andrew Bevan12/15My favorite shoes of all time are these now very well-traveled Aljeandro Ingelmo platform loafers. I paired them with a Paul Smith suit and a Marc by Marc Jacobs shirt for a night on the town. I started in the famed Hotel Metropol and eventually ended up at a surreal dance party where the floor was covered with popcorn for absolutely no reason I can think of.
Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Bevan13/15The great thing about my trip is that I made friends wherever I went—like when my driver mysteriously made a pit stop at a local (very quiet) Russian doll museum on the outskirts of town. Meet my new Moscow entourage!
Photo: Craig Arend14/15I had lunch with Moscow guy-about-town, the ever-suave Germain Larkin who gave me the 411 on the fashion scene and introduced me to an incredible cast of characters. I'm wearing a Richard Chair coat and trousers and an Isabel Marant blazer.
Photo: Courtesy of Laroom15/15This is a look from the Laroom Spring 2015 runway show. "Common features of Russian designers, I think, are sensuality and sophistication. Laroom's philosophy can be described as 'discreet sexuality' –concise forms with a slight touch of aristocracy and retro, but with a fresh and modern interpretation," says Laroom designer Eugenia Legkodymova. "Of course, Russian literature and history have a great influence on me, but I draw inspiration from various sources from all over the world—mosaics in Parisian subway, tiles in Milanese cathedrals, movies, and music."
