It’s difficult for most of us to imagine the experience of a fresh Russian spring after a long, deep winter, but that is exactly what happened when Valentin Yudashkin’s SS18 Collection debuted under the opulent eaves of the Palais de Tokyo in central Paris. As the first model emerged swathed in pristine white, it was clear that this collection would be a far cry from last season’s sleek black palette.

Yudashkin remained close to his own roots for his overall vision, citing Russian painter Kazimir Malevich as his primary source of inspiration. The geometric forms of Malevich’s work were not explicitly portrayed, rather used as a starting point that influenced the form and colour of the individual pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Suprematist Composition’ and ‘Suprematist 18^th Construction’ by Russian post-revolutionary artist Kazimir Malevich

Sunshine yellows and fresh greens emerged from the more minimalist surroundings of the Palais de Tokyo basement, accompanied by floppy straw hats and large round sunglasses, harking back to an earlier decade. Beiges and whites were accompanied by a pop of colour, through striped sliders or bold backpacks.

Through working with his daughter Galina, Yudashkin’s work has developed a pared down and minimalist aspect, with simple silhouettes allowing bold prints to exhibit their full potential.

Flowing red and yellow wrap dresses moved like the flicker of a flame down the catwalk, followed by more crisp and tailored block reds and whites.

This dynamic collection wouldn’t look out of place in any modern woman’s wardrobe, proven by Galina Yudashkin when  she emerged with her father at the end of the show wearing one of their own pieces.

By Poilin Nic Geidigh

Photography by Luca Tombolini / Indigital.tv