AGELESS LANDSCAPES

“[In Georgia,] there are as many contributing factors as hindering circumstances.” In an exclusive interview, fashion designer Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili uncovers how Georgian sartorial customs influence his clean-cut, sombre arrangements and silhouettes, how does he employ the deconstructivist practice in his creative process, and talks about the feral femme energy he is drawn to.

How did growing up in Georgia influence your path to becoming a womenswear designer ?

Georgia is a very small country but it is equipped with a number of possibilities. There are as many contributing factors as hindering circumstances. I take inspiration from a lot of things: from nature, ancient history, art, and people. We have our national clothing and it represents the nature of Georgian women. People tend to be hooded, modest and strict, dressed predominantly in black. This influence still exists and people in Georgia still prefer this attitude to clothing. Years ago, my signature look was long silhouettes and dark colours but it has changed after some time and I became more courageous.

Is it challenging to run a high-fashion brand in Georgia?

Because of the fact that it is a small country, it is also relatively easy to distinguish yourself within the country and outside of its borders too. Both Western and Eastern cultures are felt in Georgia but I can say that it is mostly a Western country. It is mostly felt in the new generation, which did not live through the Soviet Union and knows the value of freedom. The political situation is always polarized and it greatly hinders the wellbeing of our society – it is directly related to economics, the level of education, and mentality.

Has your family influenced and/or supported you in becoming a fashion designer? 

My mother was always my inspiration, I still remember her refined outfits. My family always supported me to become a designer, which is rare in Georgia because fashion is still not a valued and important industry here. 

Deconstructivism is a great part of your work. Do you approach things from a conceptual point of view when you’re designing?

Deconstruction is a necessary experience and mustn’t be forgotten while I’m working. I always think about women with thirsty energy and passion inside them, the subconscious side of me always leads me to something paradoxical during the creation process, especially in moments of instability and inner conflicts. But in the end, I try to achieve relation and unity. 

Are you currently preparing any new collections or collaborations we can look forward to?

I’m preparing for the upcoming SS 23 collection. I don’t exclude collaboration in future, it’s challenging and interesting. 

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Bio

Georgian designer Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili, a graduate of Tbilisi State Academy of Arts and winner of Be Next Fashion Design Contest of 2015, founded his namesake fashion brand in 2015. Since that year, Aleksandre has also been the head designer of the Georgian brand MATÉRIEL. His brand’s first independent collection was Fall/Winter 2018/19, which brought him an amazing success and caught the eye of very important international buyers and press representatives. By using deconstructive minimalism, which has become the brand’s philosophy, the designer is trying to represent a modern woman who is much aligned with the 21st century trends and not afraid of its challenges. The initial spark of inspiration is the garment. Vegan leather has become standard for the label. Early 2000’s minimalism has a major impact on the collection. The result are collections of variably wearable pieces.

https://akhalkatsishvili.com/

Credits

Fashion designer: @aleksandreakhalkatsishvili 

Interview: @agata_zapotilova

 

Photo credits:

DIRECTION / PRODUCTION @marylu_cky

PHOTOGRAPHED BY @bekagulva

MUA @atodua

HAIR @viktoriagigiashvili

MODEL @VANESSA_VAYALIO

@ICMODELMANAGEMENT

 

SS 22

Photographed by @bekagulva

Styling / Production: Mary Bitchashvili @marylu_cky / Noizy @the.noizy

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