Alexandre Plokhov - "ACOLYTE" - S/S 2013

Inspiration for S/S 2013 collection, Alexandre Plokhov found in Russian Orthodox monks and described it as "journey from darkness to light", like a spring awakening. With palette in black, gray, and white—coal, ash, and alabaster, Plokhov called them—to represent the two divisions of Orthodox clergy: the Monastic (celibates who wear only black) and the Parochial (who wear white and are allowed to marry). In keeping with the spiritual theme, Plokhov said he'd placed an emphasis on pure fabrics. They were what really made the collection, from the corded cotton of coats and jackets to washed, vegetable-dyed leathers of a surpassing softness to open-weave Irish linen and a finale of homespun white cotton that had a godly gleam. Some tanks in a micro-modal synthetic as soft as cashmere injected a little lightness. Otherwise, the cloths were substantial enough to suggest all-year wear. "There is too much disposability," Plokhov declared. "I want things to last."

References: Alexandre Plokhov