While Paris, Milan, New York and London maintain dominion over world fashion weeks, Hong Kong’s own recent fashion week has highlighted a growing industry in the region, spotlighting the country as Asia’s emerging fashion hub. HKTDC Hong Kong Fashion Week, which took place in July, saw over 1300 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions showcase the latest designs from their spring / summer 2012 collections.
As a fashion capital, Hong Kong attracts designers from all over the globe, including Greek Bali-based designer Marilena Vlataki, who unveiled her latest collection from her brand Selini.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Vlataki described the show as an overwhelming success. Exhibiting her Selini garments on the opening day of Hong Kong fashion week, Vlataki’s collection was centred around a vibrant, intense colour scheme, which she said received worldwide recognition from the press. Greek native Vlataki, who lives in Bali with her husband, an Indonesian prince, said the collection was influenced by her two island homes: Greece and Bali.
“The collection was inspired by the blue sea and sky of the Greek Islands combined with the tropical colours of Bali: island of Gods,” Vlataki said. The designer’s range showed an array of summer dresses with lots of deep blue, turquoise and jade green.
Paired with Indonesian inspired accessories in flaming orange, coral and earth tones, the overall look was tropical chic. Long, floaty maxi-dresses and short layered summer dresses leant a beach-casual theme to the collection, while floor sweeping backless evening gowns with bold accessories added drama and elegance.
Playful frills hinted towards a 70s resurgence that has been spotted in next season collections all across global runways. While the majority of Vlataki’s collection was monochromatic, there was a handful of patterned floor-length dresses and just the right amount of animal print in the mix. With the bright island colours and tones, Vlataki’s designs lends itself perfectly to a summer holiday, a beach-based romance, an island wedding, or for any special occasion in the sun.
The fabrics capture all the fun and leisure that summer brings but are made to be worn on hot days allowing your skin to breathe and bask in summer glory.
They are perfect to roll up in your suitcase as they are lightweight and won’t take up too much room. Selini’s accessories were very Asian inspired with plenty of chunky bangles, wooden pieces, long hanging beaded necklaces, dangling earrings and statement chokers.
Vlataki showed her entire spring / summer collection in Bali at the end of last month, describing Selini’s latest theme as “absolute summer”. As it’s looking like absolutely anything goes next season in terms of colour; it’s time to spice things up with lively and vivacious tones.
So drag out something old, invest in something new, and freshen it up with some fun accessories.