Ten30: The Ukranian Girl
The best things about Glasgow designer Ten30's Ukranian Girl fashion show? There wasn't a seat or a strutting model in sight, as all the traditional elements of a fashion show were removed. The audience stood in awe of dancers from Dance HQ as they showcased Ten30's new collection in pirouettes and posés.
The concept behind the Ukrainian Girl is one that ensured an intense and captivating 26 minutes. Designer Alan Moore's muse doesn't exist, she's not a celebrity character or a girl he knows, she's made up. Taking inspiration from Ukrainian pysanka, European ballet and 90's Versace collections, the Ukrainian Girl concept was born. This grew into the birth of a fictional character - Abbigail Teliha - who 'writes' about her experiences on her blog, giving her a virtual persona.
This modern day fairytale unfolded on the oval dance floor in The Flying Duck. The venue was beautifully decorated with scattered coloured petals. Beautiful 'Peter Pan' collared shift dresses provided a girly contrast against sportier items. Eastern European prints worked perfectly with edgier tie-dye pieces, bold prints and embroidery made for a wearable yet extremely feminine collection. The dancers wore their hair in buns and plaits finished off with glitter. The make-up was dramatic and doll like but with black lips.
As the dancers preformed their routines, the guests enjoyed the show from an elevated platform. The dancers moved in a puppet like way which worked perfectly with the concept whilst also showing off the clothes from every angle, offering the viewer a unique experience. The ballet shoes were, of course, the models' own!
Alan closed by thanking everyone for coming and added "I hope it was more than just a fashion show." It's crystal clear why Ten30 has been nominated for 'Best New Designer' in The Scottish Variety Awards; it was so much more. Turning people away from the door, it was obvious the night was a success. Alan assured us that “this is how Ten30 want to do fashion and this is how we always will.”