UNRAVELLING THE MARVELS OF MAX KIBARDIN S/S 10

“Sophisticated variations on the theme of femininity” is how Max Kibardin describes his S/S10 collection.

 

Like Kirkwood, Skovgaard and Young my Russian love machine is finishing 2009 on a high.

After winning the inaugural Vogue Italia ‘Who Is On Next’ for Men’s Accessories, Kibardin was delivered a high profile PR bump from former serial footwear offender Britney Spears. Several styles from Kibardin’s S/S 09 collection were selected and then worn during Brit-Brit’s Circus World tour. The brooding blonde sex God then went on to debut his first collection as Creative Director for Lorenzo Banfi, and like Rupert Sanderson, ‘made the funny’ by answering some hilarious questions posed by you my beloved Imeldette’s.

Showing no signs of slowing down, Kibardin ploughs into 2010 with another timeless collection of handcrafted footwear that, according to the designer, “is the result of an expert combination of the values of the Italian craft tradition and contemporary creativity.”

Talking with the Despotic Queen, Kibardin revealed his collection “is like a story that unravels along the streets of sensuality, with a modern and day-to-day interpretation here, and a touch of knowing artifice there”

I KNOW…If I was crawling the walls like a cat on heat then I can only imagine what my beloved Miss Glitzy (and fellow Kibardin-ite) will do when she reads that statement.

Over the past 6 seasons the Milan based Kibardin has built a very loyal costumer base of discerning footwear fanatics. Each collection has been a diverse study of historical references juxtaposed by Kibardin’s precision tailoring. For S/S 10 the Russian native remains true to his ‘well proven formula’ by delivering a measured collection of 90’s minimalism and matinee idol glamour that according to Kibardin was “Designed to exalt the female form”.

Jil Sander’s minimalistic influence was present in a number of catwalk collections, most notably Francisco Costa's heart stopping wedges for Calvin Klein and Kibardin buys into this trend, telling Imelda the inspiration behind his stripy satin toe thongs are to ensure “the footwear is never too invasive”

Kibardin has updated a number of wildly successful silhouettes (from A/W 09/10) including his wafer platforms with woven silk sling backs (interlaced in different shades of violet), peep toes with explosive metallic appliqués and ankle length booties in luxe satin and perforated leathers.

While Kibardin’s niche in women’s footwear is firmly established he’s still building his reputation in men’s footwear. However, buoyed by his ‘Who Is On Next?’ win the Kibardin man can confidently strut into S/S 10 knowing that the designer is presenting his most impressive menswear collection to-date.

Rust coloured snake skin sandals, powdery suedes, ostrich skin loafers and woven satin are but a few of the fabrications Kibardin has chosen for le homme le well shod.

Kibardin’s colour palette injects some much-needed fun into the sometimes-dour world of men’s footwear by using a variety of bold colours including yellow, pink and blue – proving Kibardin is ‘On’ now not ‘Next’

Comments

[Gerri Ward]

What a BRILLIANT collection, it's solely FABULOUS!:))
xoxox,
Gerri

[Prêt-à-Porter P]

the suede and the green croc loafers!!!!

[Miss Glitzy]

Thanks a lot for unravelling this exquisite collection. And of course I do love his statement! And appreciate his variation of former models that I'm sure will become classic! And the bright yellow and blue derbies for men are just awesome. Cheers!