Autorin: Tays Jennifer Köper-KelemenTwice a year, designer Neli Mitewa stages unique creations by independent, young Bulgarian fashion designers in Sofia under a specific motto. She is not only the curator of the exclusive exhibition, but also the founder of the conceptual designer platform: IVAN ASEN 22.
Fresh cocktails, cool ice cream and sweet and sour fruits – a carefree summer was the inspiration for the exhibition ‚Like Ice in the Sunshine‘. The selected Bulgarian designers presented their innovative creations from 6 to 30 June 2024 at the Ivan Asen 22 showroom in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Soft sorbet nuances and lively shades were expressed, sometimes via new colour blocking variations. Shapes and silhouettes that seem to melt away in the sun were characteristic of the creative looks. – Likewise geometric cuts in oval, diagonal and asymmetrical lines. Wide stripes alternated with wavy contours. Marble effects and floral patterns created very lively accents. Fine transparencies and watercolour looks emphasised a distinctly feminine look. A creative mix of materials and textures created brightly coloured statement jewellery.
A total of 30 designers participated in the event. Clothes specially created for the theme of the event were shown by Georgi Florov, Dilyana Ivanova, Ham&Eggs, nelmit, Anelia Antova, Dinka Kasabova, OFF Limits, Slavina Petrova, Milena Nacheva, Lénecra, Yuliana Yanakova, KISH, Kristina Ljubenova, Inna Gabrovska, Nicole Hagedorn, Teodora Penkova and Styliana Dzhongova. Jewelry in the spirit of the theme was developed by Kalina Chankova, Velislava Bozhinova, Boryana Dankova, Kia Fil, Teodora Nikolova and KENNA Jewelry.
For the first time at IVAN ASEN 22, handmade leather bags of Art Studio Giovanna were presented, also the innovative pleated skirts of Stylyne with a pattern by Georgi Florov and the delicate jewelry of Curly Berry Art.
Stilyana Dzhongova
The competition for ’new names‘ – talented graduating fashion students – was won by Amest Glndjian (AMTII-Plovdiv).
Support for the IVAN ASEN 22 Foundation for the realization of the ‚Like Ice in the Sunshine‘ event was provided by the ‚America for Bulgaria‘ Foundation. The ‚America for Bulgaria‘ Foundation is an independent, non-governmental and non-political American charitable foundation that works in partnership with Bulgarian organizations to strengthen the private sector and democratic institutions in the country. The foundation is a result of the success of the Bulgarian-American Investment Fund (BAIF), established in 1991 by the US Congress with the support of the US Agency for International Development.
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We cooperate! This article was written in cooperation with the international platform for ethical fashion www.styleandthegang.com. Whether from Tokyo, Kilifi, Barcelona or Bali – on their website the editors Tays Jennifer Köper-Kelemen and Nina Elyas present unusual, socially committed and ethical fashion brands with cross-cultural concepts from all over the world. Curated designers tell their stories of craftsmanship, and what it means to create fashion with added value.
