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One of the many interesting things fashion can do is help us explore ways in which we can take over creative control and sovereignty in our own worlds; worlds fashioned as an autonomous realm, entirely separate from the wider one in which trite designer trends – more often than not – rule the allegorical roost.


Ivanova – headed by, and named after, designer Lena Ivanova – are under no illusions of the importance of fashion’s most esoteric, and oft underappreciated, use; and so the Ukrainian womenswear brand have, in turn, used their spring/summer ’14 collection – “Your Own Crown” – to explore the aforementioned use, as well as other related notions such as reward systems, encouragement, acceptance of the self, and social and natural equilibrium.


But, “Your Own Crown” isn’t a hodgepodge of half-baked philosophical theorems, dressed up in the guise of a fashion collection: there is a purity and simplicity to the “clingy, angelic dresses”, that elevates them from conventionally beautiful fare, to something ineffably more; the structured, oversized knitwear – tinged with an intense cerise – is sport luxe to the letter, and yet still distinctive; and the crown of thorns motif – digitally printed on to a range of pieces, from mini A-lines and sleeved shift dresses, to flowing maxis and roomy tunics – binds elements of the collection to the Biblical and metaphysical, whilst keeping the collection in its entirety thoroughly modern.


Lena has previously said that, being “a big urbanist”, she’s inspired mainly by “people and cities”. “Your Own Crown” certainly evokes particular qualities of both Man and the man-made through the rich variety of fabrics used (velvet, crepe, cambric and faux fur – to name but four). 


The ambition and commitment that is evident in every stitch is mightily edifying for those who like their fashion with a side order of the philosophical; but, simply put, “Your Own Crown” is a collection of au courant clothes, with classical touches, made with the conscious, non-conformist city-dweller in mind.

Tara Okeke