One country undeniably carving out a well-deserved spot on the fashion map is the tiny trendsetting nation of Georgia. A rapidly expanding middle class, affordable living and a bustling nightlife have made the capital a hotspot for creativity. Approaching its tenth year, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi now attracts a sizeable international crowd, and Balenciaga’s golden boy, Demna Gvasalia, isn’t the only designer to thank for it.
I’m wearing a dress by Keti Chkhikvadze
Georgia has dipped in and out of the fashion world’s radar ever since Comme des Garçons’s Rei Kawakubo sought out artistic inspiration there in 1989. After a politically tumultuous few decades the former Soviet nation is back on the map, and one designer we’ll be keeping our eye on is Keti Chkhikvadze.
The acclaimed Georgian’s collections are characterised by bold pops of colour and sophisticated textures – though she’s been known to experiment with monochrome, crafting a previous collection entirely in white. And while her silhouettes are all at once feminine, she also draws inspiration from sharp, masculine tailoring and geometric forms.
Chkhikvadze’s SS19 outing plays off previous trends that have worked for her: think colourful stripes, bohemian ruffles, dramatic sleeves, block colour juxtaposed with all-over ivory, and plenty of floor-skimming hemlines. On the catwalk, models with free-flowing tresses sported floral motifs dripping over shoulders, or sparkling love hearts placed defiantly on nipped-in waist belts, creating fluidity between looks.
After graduating from Tbilisi State Academy of Arts in 2001, Chkhikvadze moved to Kazakhstan, becoming a major player in the burgeoning local fashion scene. She recently relocated back to Tbilisi for good, opening a store in the capital and becoming a Fashion Week regular.
Chkhikvadze alogside Vetements founder Gvasalia aren’t the only Georgian designers making waves across the world. Now based in London, Mugler’s former creative director, David Koma is another of the most well-known, however there’s no end of fresh talent emerging. Newcomer Gola Damian seamlessly merges the sportiness of his country’s club-going youth with traditions akin to elegant formalwear. In a short time he’s become known for challenging gender norms and using street-sourced models.
Founded in 2012 by sisters Nina and Gvantsa Macharashvili, Mach & Mach injects a futuristic twist into Tbilisi Fashion Weeks, while Georgian brands like 711 Bags, Situationist, Aznauri menswear and George Keburia are swiftly becoming international fashion darlings.
Written by Thea Carley
