LA Fashion Week showcases a selection of the best emerging design talent from around the globe. Over forty established and internationally recognised designers gather together each year to show their collections to the world.
West Australian co-designers and long time friends Lara Kovacevich and Lydia Tsvetnenko launched Zhivago in 2012 and are best known for their avant-garde separates and show-stopping red carpet gowns. Over the past 3 years they’ve dressed the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Giuliana Rancic, Dej Loaf, Leslie Grace, Liz Trinnear, Jennifer Hawkins, and many others.
This week they showed their first collection at LA Fashion Week.
Dezinformatsiya (“Disinformation”) Noun: Intentionally false information that is implemented in deliberate deception, to mislead a rival power.
Dezinformatsiya represents the story of the allegorical character Oksana, a former KGB “honeypot”, used for her sensual allure in entrapment operations. Oksana turned double agent for the CIA during the late 1970’s, until her cover was compromised, leading to her imprisonment and brutal interrogation before her escape from the Soviet Union.
A celebration of feminine strength, Dezinformatsiya embodies the power and defiance of the inner warrior possessed by all women, and the sense of unity and combined fortitude of an army squadron. An evolution for co-designers and long-time friends Lara Kovacevich and Lydia Tsvetnenko’s, Dezinformatsiya is both seductive and sophisticated, the high voltage designs enhancing thefemale form and further empowering the confident woman.
The collection implements an array of metallic shades, featuring rich gold, dazzling platinum, pewter and bold copper, offset with understated black, charcoal and nude. Multi-hued chevron patterned sequin, a further hint at late-1970s glamour, appears throughout.
Texture comes into play in the form of wool and boucle, which contrast against the opulent metallic sequins. Delicate organza is pleated and utilised as battle-armour-inspired sheer chest panelling. Paired with leatherette, the delicate organza contrasts against the impenetrable heavier fabric, reflecting the dichotomy between sensual feminine allure and warrior strength.
Dezinformatsiya is a juxtaposition between the worlds of Eastern austerity and Western affluence.
The models swung down the runway to an anthemic soundtrack by Australian rock legends AC/DC, mixed by Lexperience, in 1970’s inspired black thigh-high pointed-toe stiletto boots. Black wigs were styled with glam-rock bangs by hair director Lauren Sill and her team from Luxe Lab Hair.
Gleaming gold adornments of earrings and cuffs were the result of a creative collaboration between Zhivago and Moon Jewellery Design. Hand-casted and limited edition, the soviet-propaganda-inspired pieces include hammer and sickle earrings and branded arm cuffs.
The Garb Wire 