Kolchagov Barba autumn/winter 2016 collection catwalk show for LFW

Kolchagov Barba’s Roma collection was the perfect combination of elegance, romance and innocence. Opening with church bells and dimly lit candles, the room at the Meliá White House was filled with a mysterious ambience from the very start.

This collection was all about lace, hair scarves and chokers. With a tasteful colour palette of gold, black, red and nude, the simple yet elegant dresses showed a powerful vibe. The slender models confidently trotted down the catwalk, donning their conservative yet seductive wear, portraying contradictory themes of femininity and power.

Each outfit had a character of its own, as the stunned crowd gasped and admired the enigmatic collection. While some models were thoroughly covered up with delicate lace, others revealed an abundant amount of skin, exemplifying two very different sides of women.

Hair neatly pulled back in a knotted ponytail, lips boldly coloured with red, and eyes smoky and heavily shaded; each model displayed a touch of Vatican. According to Italian marketeer and half of the duo, Emilio Barba, the collection was inspired by the Vatican as well as Orthodox and Christian religions.

From white and gold, to rosary necklaces and incense boats, the subtle elements further intensified the Roman-esque theme. To make things even more interesting, one model wore a white laced dress paired with a matching white hat, much like the one belonging to the Pope. The thick layered fabric, rich velvets and gold jewellery depicted a scene from the Venetian carnival.

Sensual and fierce yet also innocent, the models resembled cryptic black widows. The timeless style demonstrated by Kolchagov Barba’s new collection portrayed a unique approach to modern fashion.

After the show, we spoke to Emilio Barba who said that “it’s always so emotional for us. Seeing your hard work out there, after six long months is amazing, and it means so much to me that people enjoyed it!”

Naomi Schanen
Photos: Olesya Asanova