Avsh Alom Gur, Kristian Aadnevik and Alena Akhmadullina are young, refreshingly talented designers that pull sophisticated forms and construction techniques from the past to create forward-looking clothes. With such incredible skill, they will surely play a large part in shaping the future of their industry.

Avsh Alom Gur a/w 2006-7 www.blow.co.uk

Gur and Akhmadullina incorporate aspects of native costume into their designs, resulting in a powerful strategy: using traditional, practical shapes to produce looks that are thoroughly modern. Though now based in London, Gur is originally from the Israeli desert. He draws inspiration from Bedouin dress with its generous use of fabric to create space in the garment for air circulation, which is vital for temperature control and comfort in harsh desert conditions. Akhmadullina’s s/s 2006 collection was an affectionate nod to her homeland of Russia, with whimsical references to folklore and festivals:

Avsh Alom Gur a/w 2006-7 www.blow.co.uk

Avsh Alom Gur a/w 2006-7 www.blow.co.uk

Avsh Alom Gur a/w 2006-7 www.blow.co.uk

Avsh Alom Gur a/w 2006-7 www.blow.co.uk

Alena Akhmadullina s/s 2006 www.telegraph.co.uk

Alena Akhmadullina s/s 2006 www.theage.com.au

Alena Akhmadullina s/s 2006 www.theage.com.au

All three designers take inspiration from the 1920s. This era’s influence is noticeable in the collections of Akhmadullina and Aadnevik in particular. Akhmadullina’s a/w 2006-7 collection was entirely flapper-themed, while Aadnevik’s s/s 2006 collection featured elegantly dropped waistlines and luxurious fabrics:

Alena Akhmadullina a/w 2006-7 www.alenaakhmadullina.com

Alena Akhmadullina a/w 2006-7 www.alenaakhmadullina.com

Alena Akhmadullina a/w 2006-7 www.alenaakhmadullina.com

Kristian Aadnevik s/s 2006 www.vogue.co.uk

Designs by Gur and Aadnevik have clever volumes defined by complex folds, gathers and draping. Both demonstrate further experimentation with delicately printed materials:

Avsh Alom Gur a/w 2006-7 www.blow.co.uk

Avsh Alom Gur a/w 2006-7 www.blow.co.uk

Kristian Aadnevik s/s 2006 www.vogue.co.uk

Kristian Aadnevik a/w 2006-7 www.vogue.co.uk

Kristian Aadnevik s/s 2006 www.vogue.co.uk

Kristian Aadnevik s/s 2006 www.vogue.co.uk

Kristian Aadnevik s/s 2006 www.vogue.co.uk

Kristian Aadnevik s/s 2006, detail www.kristianaadnevik.com