We’re bored of fashion kids gatekeeping all the good stuff, so welcome to the Anti-Gatekeeping Club, a series of features where our team of Brokerz track down all the sick brands and independent designers you should know about so we can start bigging them up, over to Lola…
Rafaela Pestritu is taking us back to Romanian heritage and 2000s Eurotrash influence or, as the designer herself puts it, ‘the foreign, different and unfamiliar’ for the London-based brand’s newest collection (which first caught our eye in Paris)…
As well as the intriguing alien-esque prints throughout the collection, Pestritu uses Serbian tattoos known as babushka to create an eminent and eye-catching design. Rumour has it that we haven’t seen anything like this collection, you heard it from me first.
The piece I rated most from this collection has to be the sleeveless hooded maxi dress, the faux-fur detail completes the fit and blends perfectly with the print accents all over the design. The different boots featured through the collection are to die for, from an intriguing lace concept to the little patchwork pieces, I believe it really fits the theme of the collection!
Sustainability is a key factor of Rafaela Pestritu, as designs are crafted from upcycled leather, faux fur, nylon and denim. This futuristic collection was either handmade in Romania or knitted by Pestritu’s grandmother and friends.
In an industry where everyone is keen on following the latest trends, Rafaela Pestritu is breaking the norms of fashion, exploring heritage and challenging social constructs.
Credits:
Photography- Ella Costache
Styling- Catinca Negut
Assisted by- Stefan Istrat
Shoes- Rafaela Pestritu X Omelchuk Atelier
MUA- Mihaela Cherciu
Models- Attitude Models