COMBINAT PRESENTS brought plenty of variety to the runway: five labels by women designers showcased their individual visions for the coming season, from controlled chaos and upcycling to flowing elegance. ARTISTA, AQUANAUTA, KM/A, NI-LY, and PITOUR each brought their distinctive signature to VIENNA FASHION WEEK.26.
Beauty in Controlled Chaos
At ARTISTA, the collection’s name said it all: “Beauty in Chaos” played with contrasts, turning the unpredictable into a defining style. Muted colours met velvet, leather and statement patterns inspired by paintings by Ludovic Thiriez, a French artist based in Budapest. The hypnotic prints immediately caught the eye. Ruching, asymmetry and shoulder pads created striking silhouettes, while sparkling brooches shaped like hands added a touch of glamour and a playful wink to the looks.
There’s No Limit to Imagination—or Fringe Length
AQUANAUTA opted for flowing, relaxed cuts. Stripes and fringes featured throughout many of the outfits. The real eye-catchers, however, were patches featuring animal motifs, finished with playful dangling fringes. The looks brought elegance and ease together seamlessly, rather than treating them as opposites. They reflected the distinctive vision of designer Bernadett Pallai, who let her imagination guide her designs and enjoyed adding a touch of humour.
Straight from the Vegetable Market to the Runway
KM/A opened the show with a rock-inspired denim patchwork look, staying true to its commitment to creating fashion for individualists. Oversized silhouettes alternated with expertly tailored, cinched-in cuts. Handmade details added a playful touch: oversized paper or fabric flowers adorned shoes and collars. Most striking was the collection’s easygoing attitude. These are outfits you could wear straight to the vegetable market—and find yourself breaking into a dance.
Flowing Elegance
NI-LY made the silhouettes seem to almost merge with the music. The colour story moved from pink to metallic grey-blue and timeless black and white. Fabrics skimmed the body, were artfully draped and flowed with every step. Each piece stood out for its precise craftsmanship. A collection made for elegant women with a purist sensibility.
Strong Shoulders, Bold Statement
PITOUR delivered four looks that paired understated style with a rebellious edge. Strong shoulders and cape details gave the looks a defined silhouette, while pinstripes added a classic touch. The coat took centre stage, its distinctive shape making it the collection’s standout piece.
Title Image © Thomas Lerch
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