PFW SS19: A.W.A.K.E.

A.W.A.K.E. stands for All Wonderful Adventures Kindle Enthusiasm. From what was probably a logistal nightmare for the A.W.A.K.E. team behind the scenes — the show venue was changed twice before we were finally settled at the Bastille Design Centre – to the stunning collection of 50 or so pieces sent down the runway, Natalia Alaverdian’s first foray into PFW was certainly an adventure.

Billowy high-waisted pleated skirts met slinky low-backed halternecks, the sort guaranteed to give Marilyn Monroe a run for her money. Arched collars became part of necklines as the classic shirt was deconstructed and reconstructed over and over again, appearing as numerous inventive iterations. In contrast, suits were softly structured, modern, and colour-blocked.

There were witty embellishments too, like a huge slouchy pocket attached to the waist of a beautifully pleated skirt, eschewing the need for a bag. Pale, ethereal pastels and earth-toned neutrals were punctuated by pops of colour and prints depicting nature: blue skies, rust-hued gorges, an animal eye. Nods to Japanese culture – off-shouldered and wide-sleeved silhouettes reminiscent of traditional kimonos – also made their appearance.

The collection was feminine yet masculine, retro yet very contemporary and modern. A truly captivating collection, every look was refreshing, imaginative and edgy – and yet we could still envisage the everyday woman in them. This season, the A.W.A.K.E. girl is a modern, formidable force to be admired (if anything, the A.W.A.K.E. team has proven that no challenge is insurmountable). It was certainly an unforgettable collection that kept us all wide awake.

by Kay Leong