Okay, I realize I shouldn’t play favorites, but Konstantina Mittas’ Spring 2009 “In Flight”, Collection, made the biggest impact on me during Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, soaring over the other presentations. After her runway show, I found myself calling around town to source her awe-inspiring designs. (Believe me, I wasn’t the only when, when I rushed to Ksubi in Paddington, the buyer informed me that he had been receiving calls all week long for her one-of-a-kind showstoppers!) Making her RAFW debut, the former Gen Art winner blew me away with her distinctive aesthetic. From the crow handler at the top of her show to the 28th look, I was on the edge of my seat. Nature themes are prevalent in fashion collections, especially for spring looks, but never had I seen such a literal translation of this aviary theme, with winged dresses and nesting skirts that went way beyond an Audubon print.

According to her biography, Konstantina Mittas comes from a world inhabited by beauty and creativity. Rather than a creation of the design school system, she has evolved over time her own personal visual language that manifests itself in beautiful, creative, and wearable garments. Ms. Mittas draws inspiration from the journey of exploration involved in the design process. From a sculptural beginning, she utilizes the intricacy of master construction techniques and combines this with her love of the avant-garde, resulting in a uniquely Konstantina Mittas piece.

My favorite looks included: a white bustier with asymmetrical hem and black slouchy pant; the platinum grey Lola dress; a black puff sleeve dress with tulip hem; the navy crow top layered under a fur vest; the ruched peacock minidress; a silk dress with side slits and exaggerated sleeves; the black dress with petal sleeves; a lacquer dress with an exaggerated truncated sleeve. Now I just need to find a pair of spats! Her models were wearing the black patent regiment accessory on their ankles to give the looks an even greater edge. This collection was original, provocative, and innovative—best of all, you won’t break the bank. These pieces were just SO STUNNING! It should do quite well in fashion capitals around the world: New York, London, Paris, Milan, with starlets from Sydney to LA and back, but also with anyone who has an individual spirit and daring sense of style.

 
Konstantina Mittas’ separates were sculptural, dramatic, and versatile. I could hardly wait to tell my friends stateside about her wildly imaginative designs. Not at all for the wallflower hiding in the corner; the Konstantina Mittas girl loves attention and wants to make a statement when she walks into a room. She is independent and fashion-fearless. I was lucky enough to visit with the designer at her boutique studio in the days following her fashion week debut. As her assistant helped pull sizes for me, I must have tried on at least a dozen looks, Ms. Mittas regaled my friend Louisa and me with stories of travels, inspirations, and the true production of putting on a runway show. She told me of how my favorite piece in the collection, the Lola dress, was named for her cousin, Louise. What a fantastic opportunity to have a private fitting with Ms. Mittas and a casual chat about her design process, influences, and passions.

Tom Ford once said that you can see the love and work that goes into a garment, that even on the hanger it will speak to you. All clothes have a purpose whether for business such as a suit to convey professionalism and confidence; festive attire in the form of a cocktail dress for a sense of folly and celebration; or loungewear with more relaxed separates for ease and comfort. Konstantina Mittas’ pieces are designed to make a statement, the “Look-at-me-aren’t-I-fabulous?” sort of declaration. (Trust me; even if you don’t feel like it on the inside, these looks will have everyone fooled!) And yes, maybe a few of these pieces are overly dramatic for weekend errands (that quick trip to the market, dry cleaners, or neighborhood cobbler to pick up your revamped Christian Louboutins), but that’s what I love most about them! Who wants that homogenized version of fashion where everyone looks alike, with the same skinny pants and ballerina flats? Fashion is at its most elevated form when the wearer allows her individuality to shine through! What’s so bad about a little bit of drama and this is the best kind!

Ms. Mittas’ designs are truly transformative, inspirational, awe-inspiring, and provocative. I love the way her clothes make me feel—unique, original, one-of-a-kind, avant-garde separates. I’ve made room for them next to my prized Galliano pieces. My Lola dress makes me feel as though I might take flight with layers of fabric that sprout out from the sides like wings. My pencil skirt makes me feel especially vixenish and the signature crow print dress with ruched sides and puffed sleeves is “oh so fetching” layered over a slip or gathered and styled as a blouse. My Ally dress makes me feel like a super heroine with iridescent fabric and an exaggerated portrait collar shielding me from any untoward advances.

Konstantina Mittas breeds clothing confidence with her designs because you can’t help but feel amazing in her pieces. You can see and feel the love, the work, the thought, and the ingenuity that goes into every garment! Ms. Mittas will undoubtedly go very far and I feel so honored to have met her and selected what I am SURE will be highly-coveted pieces next spring! I’m amazed I only walked away with a handful of her designs. Come to think of it, where’s that business card? I may need to place a follow-up order… Fresh off the Sydney catwalk, no one else in the northern hemisphere will have these pieces. That is of course until people see me strutting down Madison, Market or Melrose, and then of course the secret will be out. I knew I should have taken an extra suitcase to Fashion Week…  

For additional information, please visit http://www.konstantinamittas.com/
 

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