Fashion's Future - Revival Of Half-forgotten Traditions Of Applied Art, Experts Believe

The culmination of the second international haute couture contest of a national dress was the gala-show of the best couturiers from Russia, Azerbaijan, Daghestan, Kazakhstan and Belarus. "We should not be always guided by Europe, we should not forget our roots", couturier Mila Nadtochii, chairman of the contest's judges believes. Many couturiers revive half-forgotten traditions of the applied art. So, the collection "Russian Amazons" by Sergei Mikulsky, Moscow, represents models of chain armour. They have made an overwhelming success in five countries already. The "Ais" collection by Fakhria Khalafova, Azerbaijan, is notable for subtle luxury. The brilliance of brocade, silk and satin combined with new ergonomic materials give unique chic to the models. Khalafova's techniques of beading and golden embroidery, plenty of gold, silver and copper reflect original and bright culture of Azerbaijan. Shamkhal Alikhanov, Daghestan, used natural materials in the collection for men "The Spirit of Mountains". Knitted wool garments are decorated with leather insets. National patterns and nature scenes decorate light flax dresses. Tamara Shalobanova, Kazakhstan, offers fur coats and cardigans, shawls and palatines, tight and loose-fitting jackets, and even astrakhan skirts and pants in her collection "Winter Fantas! ! y". The models are notable for the remarkable combination of exquisite shape and colour range. The duet of Larisa Shilak / "Young Ladies"/ and the Zelenov family, Moscow, / "Heritage"/ revive traditions of weaving skill. The splendour and refinement of laces of these couturiers may be compared only with works of Venetian lace-makers.