What connection is there between 70s erotic films and Princess Diana? They're both inspirations for Walk Of Shame's Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Last season we were introduced to the Russian brand via its sultry 70s-inspired looks, and the disco vibe hasn't stopped thumping yet. Clean white denim jackets and knee-length culottes meet mink fur and gold hardware in this collection, with sheer pieces adding a delicate contrast to the stiffer cotton separates. The brand also brought back its beloved "I'm a Luxury" sweater in a springy lemon color (which as it turns out, was modeled after a jumper Princess Diana wore). We spoke with the designer Andrey Artyomov about some of his favorite things including airline stewardesses, lurex dresses, and 70s softcore classic Emmanuelle.
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Shannan Elinor Smith: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and growing up in Russia?
Andrey Artyomov: I grew up in Ufa, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan in the middle of Russia. It is a federal subject of Russia, between the Volga River and Ural Mountains. It is primarily Muslim, but very secular. I remember the local TV station was always dedicated to national traditional art, songs, and dances, a beauty that was pure and naïve. I also remember the 90s in Russia—we were all wearing stuff from flea markets, but it was kind of super luxurious to get dressed like that. We were wearing these Gucci, Chanel, and Benetton T-shirts with the logo embroidered in the front, and it was so funny because we didn’t even make a distinction between Gucci and Benetton, it was equally chic to us. Russian MTV at the end of 90s was a total breakthrough culturally.
How did the line start?
The line started in Moscow three years ago. I remember about seven years ago, I was at the opening of what is now a very well-known bar in Moscow. My friend and I got really drunk, and she burned her transparent tights with a cigarette. I continued to make the dots with the cigarette, and we customized her tights into polka-dot tights. At 3 AM, she still had the tights on when she met up with the guy who directed the Opening Ceremony at the Sochi Olympics (and at that time he was already a very well-known director). My friends and our lifestyle is what inspired me in a lot of ways. So I decided to make clothes about them.
What do you think your line conveys about fashion and youth culture in Russia?
My line is about youth and fun! Or, more about the feeling of being young and cool. I would say it’s just about the people who are able to have fun, who are not serious about themselves—ironic but sexy. I mean sexy in a subtle way; young Russians are very independent, intelligent, authentic, and free. This is what makes them super attractive.
Your line mixes a lot of retro-inspired looks from the 70s with modern street culture style. How did you come up with this combination?
The 70s is my favorite epoch. When I was a kid I always imagined the perfect woman in a lurex dress dancing beautifully and wild. I just combined this woman with the style approach street culture has.
What was the concept behind the Spring/Summer 2014 collection?
We took basic inspiration from 70s erotic films. The first erotic movie [available] in the former USSR was Emmanuelle starring Sylvia Kristel. The most powerful scen
Shop all Walk Of Shame HERE
Shannan Elinor Smith: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and growing up in Russia?
Andrey Artyomov: I grew up in Ufa, the capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan in the middle of Russia. It is a federal subject of Russia, between the Volga River and Ural Mountains. It is primarily Muslim, but very secular. I remember the local TV station was always dedicated to national traditional art, songs, and dances, a beauty that was pure and naïve. I also remember the 90s in Russia—we were all wearing stuff from flea markets, but it was kind of super luxurious to get dressed like that. We were wearing these Gucci, Chanel, and Benetton T-shirts with the logo embroidered in the front, and it was so funny because we didn’t even make a distinction between Gucci and Benetton, it was equally chic to us. Russian MTV at the end of 90s was a total breakthrough culturally.
How did the line start?
The line started in Moscow three years ago. I remember about seven years ago, I was at the opening of what is now a very well-known bar in Moscow. My friend and I got really drunk, and she burned her transparent tights with a cigarette. I continued to make the dots with the cigarette, and we customized her tights into polka-dot tights. At 3 AM, she still had the tights on when she met up with the guy who directed the Opening Ceremony at the Sochi Olympics (and at that time he was already a very well-known director). My friends and our lifestyle is what inspired me in a lot of ways. So I decided to make clothes about them.
What do you think your line conveys about fashion and youth culture in Russia?
My line is about youth and fun! Or, more about the feeling of being young and cool. I would say it’s just about the people who are able to have fun, who are not serious about themselves—ironic but sexy. I mean sexy in a subtle way; young Russians are very independent, intelligent, authentic, and free. This is what makes them super attractive.
Your line mixes a lot of retro-inspired looks from the 70s with modern street culture style. How did you come up with this combination?
The 70s is my favorite epoch. When I was a kid I always imagined the perfect woman in a lurex dress dancing beautifully and wild. I just combined this woman with the style approach street culture has.
What was the concept behind the Spring/Summer 2014 collection?
We took basic inspiration from 70s erotic films. The first erotic movie [available] in the former USSR was Emmanuelle starring Sylvia Kristel. The most powerful scen