Timur Kim Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection

Timur Kim AW13 catwalk review by Katy Thompson, images by Lin Vitali.

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Timur Kim Autumn/Winter 2013/14

CONTEMPORARY BAROQUE

We saw Russian designer Timur Kim's sleek frames shimmer on the catwalk when he exhibited his Ready-To-Wear A/W 2013 collection at London Fashion Week earlier in the year.

Kim has taken basic tailoring cuts and made them feminine by adding complex, almost kaleidoscope style patterns. The combination of prints are mixed with a vibrant colour palette. The collection involves a selection of suits, jackets and skirts, creating the easy sophistication that is seen throughout much of Kim's work.

Since moving to England to study at Central Saint Martins, Kim has been expanding his design portfolio, whilst still incorporating the styles of his Russian homeland. This particular collection is influenced by the ceilings of The Hermitage Museum, made evident by the baroque palette and repetitive patterns juxtaposed with the modern cuts of the 21st Century.

Timur Kim Catwalk Show Images

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week.

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week.

METALLICS; GO OR NOT TO GO

The constant in this collection is gloss - from the long jackets to the over-sized skater skirts, the metallic look is present. Metallics were extremely popular in S/S 2013, using bright colours, foils, and mirrors. It's not surprising that an A/W collection has taken this trend and added a richer tone. Less space robot, more space royalty.

The combination of pattern on metallic really works; it creates a shimmer effect and stands out from the other tailored items we see regularly on the catwalks. Accessories such as similarly patterned scarves and brogues were seen on the models; hair and makeup was left minimal to keeping pattern and texture as the focus.

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week.

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week.

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week.

The patterns themselves are reminiscent of the Baroque era, both in fashion and furnishings. Kim's previous collections such as S/S 2013 used similar pattern, whilst contrasting it with denim collage and stripes. The use of rich colours such as burgundies, burns and emeralds lead the way in the A/W collection, with lighter tones such as pale blue garments standing out. The images show the two contrasting feels.

Every item in the collection was cut just above the knee, keeping elegance and class. Pleats were key and used both on jackets and skirts, creating more depth to the garments. The pattern travels in and out of the creases, only making the material more interesting. The pieces seemed to flow on the catwalk - whether this was the flow of the fabric or simply an optical illusion of the metallic shining under the lights is up to you.

The garments produce a contemporary baroque feel - the dominant colours and textures add to the uniqueness of this beautiful collection.

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week.

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week.

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week.

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week.

Timur Kim AW13 Catwalk Show, London Fashion Week; Designer Timur Kim (right).