Atis Artemjevs F/W 2011 Riga

Latvian designer, Atis Artemjevs, takes on the idea of metamorphoses in his Fall 2011 show. Artemievs has an eclectic source inspiration ranging from transformers and robots to geishas and nuns. His semi-blasphemous collection features a battle between the dark forces of the world and the spiritual salvation of the soul.

As these “nuns” leave their “convent”, they undergo an efflorescent stage of transformation stepping into desire, sin, and lust. Their heads and necks remain modestly covered, while the rest of their bodies are clad with decadent silk and lush sheer. Featured pieces in this collection are elegant wraps, flowy blouses, and formal skirts which all rest in the realm of minimal complexity. The solid colors are kept simple with black, white, and grey, and the fabrics are intensified with intricate structure, paper origami-like folds, and broad, robotic physiques.

Whether or not these nuns returned to their rosaries, robes, and bibles, they undoubtedly held a distinct air of mystery and sexuality-both perfectly concealed underneath veils of piety.