16th September 2024
London, UK
Lithuanian designer Agnė Kuzmickaitė unveiled her SS25 collection at the Lithuanian Embassy in London for an exclusive showcase. Kuzmickaite drew on the relationship with her father, alongside the exploration of culture as the concept for this collection. Reflecting on the struggle for Lithuanian independence by reimagining traditional symbols.
Reimagining Traditional Lithuanian Iconography
The collection reintroduces the traditional Lithuanian woven band, a symbol of unity and strength, combining it with striking silhouettes that turn meaning into reality. The woven band is used in long lines with eye-catching geometric patterns to give a sense of movement and power.
The creative use of carved wooden boots and a handbag effortlessly blends fashion with art and showcases Kuzmickaite's history as a costume designer. The pieces' sculptural design merges craftsmanship with wearable aesthetics. Lithuania has a centuries-old woodworking tradition, seen in folk art, architecture, and everyday objects. By incorporating wooden elements into her fashion designs, she nods to this heritage and reinterprets her culture in a contemporary, avant-garde context.
A Tribute to History
In conceptualising the collection, Kuzmickaite drew from her childhood experiences and memories of her father's role as a fighter for Lithuanian independence during the 1990s. In finding the right home for these politically rich designs, the Lithuanian Embassy extended Kuzmickaite's personal history perfectly.
A continuing motif of Kuzmickaite's designs, the Lithuanian flag, also present at the embassy and serves as the backdrop, colours the SS25 collection with sleek vertical stripes of Yellow, Green, and Red. High necklines and strong shoulders channel a military jacket, harking back to the woven band's meaning and her childhood history.
About Agne Kuzmickaite
Since its establishment in 2013 in Vilnius, Agne Kuzmickaite has become one of Lithuania's leading fashion designers. Her bold and contemporary designs, infused with a theatrical flair, have garnered international acclaim. Showcased at London, Paris and Berlin fashion weeks, her collections have been worn by Rita Ora and Noah Cyrus, further solidifying her global reputation.
Looking towards the future, Kuzmickaite is steadfast in her mission to promote sustainability in the fashion industry. Her vision is to create stylish yet responsible pieces and serve as a role model for emerging European designers. Her collections are a testament to the preservation of cultural heritage and a dedication to a sustainable future, inspiring hope for a more eco-conscious fashion landscape.
By harmonising robust, diplomatic aesthetics with a contemporary, fresh style, Kuzmickaite's designs spark a dialogue on the influential role of fashion as a form of soft diplomacy. The collection is a captivating tribute to Lithuania's political history.
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PR contact : alisha@dyelog.co.uk
CREDITS
Hair By HOUSE OF SASSOON @sassoonacademyofficial
Makeup By Lan Nguyen Grealis @Lanslondon and team using Seoulista Beauty and Stila Makeup
Music Modestyno records
Lighting by Frederick Hugo and Heathcote Stisted
Special thanks to the Lithuanian Embassy for the location
Photography by Olu Ogunshakin
PR by Dyelog PR
