Article and photos by Jaja NwokeabiaLeather, fringes and hand-painted silk dresses dominated Katya Leonovich’s breakout Spring 2012 presentation during Mercedes Benz. The collection, heavy on kaleidoscopic prints, textures and draping, offered many gorgeous editorial-ready pieces. In many pieces, Leonovich relied upon expertly placed laser cut-outs. There was a rock-chic one-shouldered leather dress with side cut-outs and sexy long fringe hem. Another model wore white leather shorts with knee-length fringe. One printed silk gown featured intricate cut-out detailing at the straps and beautiful draping below. One of the best uses of her laser cut technique was on a loose-fit white leather jacket that resembled a blank puzzle missing a few pieces. Cheeky white leather suspenders with a built in bra cups seemed perfect for pop princesses like Rihanna or Lady Gaga.With this collection Leonovich, who is known for her bridal wear, proved her expertise in detail and balanced proportionsin ready-to-wear. The standouts included a breathtaking, artfully pleated coat that resembled a super-sized scorpion. Another highlight was a python skin trimmed trench with large accordion detailing at the hem. But against such beautiful clothes, the deconstructed tie-die denim seemed anti-climactic. Alongside the women, male models showcased Leonovich equally strong menswear collection. Leather trousers and shorts looked super-cool paired with printed silk blazers and metallic leather jackets on the bare-chested boys. On the women, spiky bird’s nests hairdos and fuschia stained lips ruled. And the backdrop of oversized pop-art paintings and mid-tempo music set the mood for a truly amazing presentation of clothes as art.
