The former Water Barracks underwent a transformation for three days, hosting Slovak designers as they unveiled their latest collections at the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live! event. Designers, fashion aficionados, editors, influencers, and even celebrities congregated at the Slovak National Gallery, all eagerly anticipating the fashion event of the year. As the final day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live! concluded, it’s time to reflect on its highlights and fashion experiences through the lens of visitors’ dress code, featuring the best from their own wardrobes and local designers’ studios. The realms of fashion and automobiles go hand in hand, which is why the event’s main partner ensured a shuttle service for many guests, seamlessly blending style, and luxury through Mercedes-Benz cars.
“This year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live! served as a reminder that fashion extends beyond
mere clothing; it embodies art and individuality. It’s a celebration of diversity and creativity.
We are delighted to witness the fusion of the unique space at the Slovak National Gallery
with high-quality fashion collections, signifying the progress in the quality and ecosystem of
Slovak fashion,” remarked the event manager, Zora Husarčíková.
AiM – Embracing Classic Shapes with a Playful Twist
AiM, the fashion brand, graced the final day of the event. It is renowned for its distinctive
logo featuring a rabbit. The designer, Michaela Hriňová, the creative force behind the brand,
conveys a vision of freedom and uniqueness that resonates in her work. Her latest
collection, “eXTRA OrdiNARy LIFE…,” explores everyday moments, open-ended possibilities, and the unpredictability of life, emphasizing that life’s beauty, which we should not lose sight of, lies in ordinary moments. Michaela infused the catwalk with a refreshing energy, unveiling playful silhouettes. Through imaginative details, she reinvented classic shapes, unveiling their newfound potential. The simple color palette retained its enchantment through the joyful interplay of patterns and colors.
Discovering the Best Fashion Talent of 2023
Each year, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live! opens its doors to young designers and graduates
of art schools through the Best Fashion Talent award, a collaborative effort between
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live! and the Slovak Fashion Council, with support from the Tatra Banka Foundation. Graduates can present their work not only to a local audience but also to
esteemed experts serving on the award committee, including the fashion editor of Vogue
Cz-Sk, Jan Boublík, and Harriet Hala from the Austrian FAB L’Style Magazine.
This year’s finalists included Jane Vaterková, Karin Elízová, and Zuzana Vrábeľová. The
ultimate victor was Zuzana Vrábeľová, recognized for her talent, diverse creative approach,
commitment to sustainability, and transformative vision for the fashion industry. Zuzana
specializes in textile and knit design and experiments with unconventional materials. Her
work places a spotlight on femininity and the physicality of the human body. Her latest
collection, “Shrines/Svätyne,” unfolds an allegorical narrative about a group of post-humans
navigating a cold, brutal, and desolate world in search of an elusive something. This
narrative mirrors our present-day future. The designer employs recycled materials, such as
leather and fur remnants, along with deadstock wool and cotton yarns, minimizing waste in
the collection’s creation. Her knitted silhouettes, featuring unconventional shapes and
patchwork leather, give the impression that minimal electricity was expended in their
crafting.
Petra Kovacs – Celebrating Femininity with a Dash of Romance and Courage
The collection by designer Petra Kovacs straddles the worlds of fashion creation and artistic
expression, notable for its bold stance on significant social themes. Each collection narrates
an artistic story, conveyed through striking color contrasts and the author’s unique
techniques. Petra’s work celebrates contemporary femininity while unapologetically infusing romance and audacity into her designs. Her latest collection, “Idols,” not only dazzles with precise cuts and intricate elements but also leaves an indelible mark, inspired by 60s and 90s cinematography. In the hands of Petra Kovacs, fashion metamorphoses into an art form that not only adorns but also entertains, inspires, and incites contemplation. Her silhouettes act as a powerful voice on crucial social issues within the modern fashion landscape.
Lukáš Krnáč – Where the Fairy Tale Commences
Lukáš Krnáč, another gifted designer, passionately creates for those who embrace vivid
colors and aren’t afraid to stand out. His work exudes a subtle irony and offers insight into
fashion conventions. Despite tackling weighty themes, Lukáš endeavors to maintain an aura
of lightness and humor throughout his collections. He draws inspiration not only from
current trends but also from the past, mining references to contemporary fashion design in
historical visual elements, atmosphere, and cultural stereotypes that have shaped local
culture. In his latest collection, Lukáš delves into the vibrant realm of fantasy and fairy tales,
revealing a hidden critique of society through iconic characters like the Little Mermaid,
Snow White, Cruella de Vil, Cinderella, and other “celebrities” of the fairy-tale world. These icons of the social media age project flawless and glamorous images to the public at social
events and in the media, yet behind the scenes, they harbor concealed shadows that they
would rather keep hidden from the world…
Boris Hanečka – Exploring the Myth of Lemuria, Cranes, and Anti-Design
The three-day fashion extravaganza reached its zenith with Boris Hanečka’s performance, a
longstanding luminary in the Slovak fashion scene, known for continually surprising his fan
base with novel concepts and design solutions. His work harmonizes a profound sense of
form, artistic sensibilities, and a deep understanding of the human form. His creations not
only epitomize women’s elegance but also exude theatricality and intricate narratives. With
his designs, Boris Hanečka adeptly translates cultural and artistic codes into the realm of
fashion, crafting visually captivating collections. In his latest collection, the designer
transported us to the mythical land of Lemuria, using it as a muse for his work. The audience
was taken aback by his striking color palette, with Boris Hanečka noting: “Eucalyptus and
turquoise are my heart colors. Turquoise and old pink, conversely, allude to Prada’s palette,
which, at first glance, may seem incongruous. Prada revels in anti-design.” Prominent
elements in his collection included cranes, sunsets, and Venus, incorporated through
decorative arts, producing lively sculptures and paintings on the catwalk.
The enduring experience of the organizers, their professional approach alongside Slovakia’s
premier designers, and the elevation of fashion and design into a powerful artistic
experience assure unique and lasting impressions. This is one of the many reasons why
designers choose to unveil their collections at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live event, which
continually enriches Slovakia’s fashion culture while providing a platform for emerging
talent. We extend our gratitude to the event partners, Douglas, L’Oréal Professionnel,
Nespresso, and Samsung for their support in enhancing this strong artistic experience.
About Mercedes-Benz Fashion Live!
Fashion LIVE! is a fashion event that makes Slovak and world fashion available to the public
through showcasing collections of seasoned fashion designers and promising young talents. During the three show days, fashion lovers can enjoy several shows a day. This year, the luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz became the new key partner of the event.
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