NARCISS inspires imaginations at Riga Fashion Week

There can be no more important event in Latvia's fashion industry, or indeed that of the wider Baltic, than the recent Riga Fashion Week, which took place from 29th October until 2nd November. Befittingly enough for a luxury fashion boutique that has previously drawn considerably on Baltic inspirations, NARCISS (http://www.shopnarciss.com) was present at the event's most recent running, showcasing its Spring-Summer 2014 collection.

Visitors to Riga Art Space on 1st November discovered a collection espousing so much that has already made the creations of the London fashion designer, Alise Trautmane, such a draw in the British and European fashion world. Once again, the latest collection, which on this occasion is all about the novel "Īkstīte" (Thumbelina) by Gundega Repše, consists of only the most exceptional quality investment pieces, crafted from the finest natural fabrics. The result is yet more of the label's distinctive "humble luxury" and "sophisticated femininity".

However, the showcase - ably supported by luxury shoe brand DelGardi, creative hair stylists PamPam and high organic cosmetics producer ELIER - also flaunted so many of the characteristics that can only emanate from clothing with this underpinning theme.

Repše certainly provided an invaluable template for the newest range of NARCISS women's designer tops and dresses in her comment that "Every woman wants to be a Queen, not a slave. We are however, crowned by men. The diadem is first admired, then removed, and later taken away. To fall is tragic. Clutching at straws – risky. Rags flap in the wind even though they were once the robes of a Queen. But the King crowns the next Queen."

The story that Repše has created, drawing from the motifs of the well-known Thumbelina fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen, is certainly a striking and unusual one. It centres on the newfound childlike characteristics gained by the romantic flower child, who yearns to melt into an imaginary world, where adult seriousness does not exist and there is no such thing as the impossible. The painful defeats of the flower child Īkstīte provide a fascinating context to the very latest NARCISS silk dresses and designer skirts.

While Īkstīte is inspired by discovering the world and living out a story with no limit to her imagination, she doesn't want to lose herself in the process. This very much informs a NARCISS collection positing that light childlike qualities are as important as feminine maturity within a harmonious woman, and that therefore gives plenty of respect to both.

This manifests in women's designer jackets, tops and skirts with a very visually strong and contemporary feel. The garments sport flora and fauna in their detailing and decoration, in the hands of NARCISS (http://www.shopnarciss.com), their vitality and vibrancy providing a happy ending to the Īkstīte story. With Trautmane having also talked publicly about her experiences of the fashion week at a pre-party at the local Bar.Ber bar, doubtless she will now look forward to the new collection going on sale to the general public this coming spring and summer.

Editor’s Note: NARCISS (http://www.shopnarciss.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.