Russian and US designers collaborate together to bridge cultures
Images courtesy of Expats Design
EXPATS (est. in 2019) is a new global fashion collective of Russian and American designers with a mission to build a creative bridge between the two countries and their distinct cultures through the language of fashion. Founded by Stephan Rabimov – an award-winning Russian-American fashion publisher and editor – EXPATS collective also includes:
San Francisco (USA) based fashion designer Vasily Vein – famous for his striking red-carpet looks adored by many American socialites; and
Vyborg (Russia) based Liliana Bahor and Ella Shadrunova – together they run a successful made-to-measure fashion salon that has outfitted, among the many, the Russian Army, leading politicians, and celebrities.
Each half of the collection this season was designed and produced in the USA and Russia respectively. EXPATS is synonymous with the notion of fashion diplomacy: Respecting craftsmanship traditions as well as cultural legacies of each country, EXPATS seeks to create one-of-kind garments that inform and inspire a deeper creative connection between the two nations.
About the debut collection
EXPATS S/S 2020 collection – where San Francisco meets Saint Petersburg – will debut at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia on Friday, October 18th, 2019 at 18:00. The location of the show – inside Moscow’s historic Manege Hall – carries a special significance this fashion season as EXPATS premiere collection was inspired by three distinct moments of Russian history:
-The Polenitsa – mythical Russian women-warriors,
-The House of Romanovs, with its dramatic story, and
-The October Revolution;
Centuries apart, they all share one symbolic color – Russian Red – which has become a leitmotif for EXPATS debut collection. From military suits to demi-couture gowns, from utilitarian uniforms to versatile day-to-evening dresses, EXPATS S/S 2020 collection will feature 25 distinct womenswear looks. This season EXPATS collaborated with VOID, a Russian footwear start-up company that uses 3D technology to craft bespoke pairs of EXPATSxVOID concept boots.
Entire EXPATS collection will be available for sale online at http://expats.design starting October 19, 2019.