![\"\"](\"http:\/\/liis.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/FreshEst-16.jpg\" "\\"Guests\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe nice thing about the event is that it is open to everyone, who is interested in fashion, whereas London fashion week itself has become a very exclusive event meant for fashion journalists and professionals.<\/p>\n
Estonia has been represented by our amazing local young designers for two consecutive years. This year Estonian “Ministry of Creative Affairs” was the overall winner of the International Fashion Showcase this year featuring Kristian Steinberg, Karl Annus, Helen Sirp, Kadri Kruus and Kristina Viirplu. Congratulations to everyone. We could not be more proud of you!!!<\/p>\n The Estonian Ministry of Creative Affairs, a fictitious establishment that showcased four “Creative Ambassadors” for the country \u00a0was open from the 14-19 February in the Horse Hospital in central London. I took a sneak peak of the exhibit in the opening night on the 14th of February. The gallery space was transformed into a mythical, immersive world inspired by unique aura of all things Nordic (conceived and designed by Helen Sirp).<\/p>\n So, a little bit more about our four award wining creative ambassadors:<\/p>\n Helen Sirp is studying in Central Saint Martins, MA Narrative Environments. FreshEst was designed to be an experience inspired by Estonias nature, our\u00a0ancient handicraft techniques and\u00a0materials\u00a0as well as\u00a0the\u00a0mythical traditions of Estonians beliefs.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I felt quite at home in the showcase, the cellar has stone walls and the\u00a0general\u00a0darkness and coldness reminded very much of our long, cold and dark winters. The white threads flowing down from the\u00a0ceiling\u00a0together with white handcrafted wedding gowns made it all seem a bit mystical and reminded of\u00a0the\u00a0sparkling snow in\u00a0the\u00a0sunshine in a\u00a0crisp winter day.<\/p>\n Kadri Kruus studied leather art in\u00a0the\u00a0Estonian Art Academy. She showcased her latest collection of leather handbags and clutches. Each piece made is unique, with their own imperfections as a proof that everything is handmade. There is long traditions, both in the skills and the materials used to make the luxury leather goods that are produced by Kadri.<\/p>\n “Contemporary design, functionality and quality materials are mixed with passion and the care of age old traditional craftsmanship. The style of these leather accessories can be controversial, just like a true female spirit.”<\/em><\/p>\n Kristina Viirpalu had tailoring in her blood probably already before she was born. Both her mother and grandmother had their own studios already since 1950s. She creates modern clothes for women using traditional skills and natural materials. The beautiful bridal gowns hanging down from the\u00a0ceiling\u00a0in the showcase reminded the fairies in this dark cellar.<\/p>\n This collection is about extravagance and individuality. Using the finest wool, silk and cotton and the Haapsalu shawl, they are at the same time modern and traditional.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Her clients include our First Lady as well as other members of\u00a0Parliament. Last year she\u00a0also\u00a0designed\u00a0the dress for Mrs Evelin Ilves worn on the 94th Anniversary celebrations of\u00a0the\u00a0Estonain\u00a0Independence Day.<\/p>\n Kristian Steinberg established his own label already in 2007. His\u00a0signature\u00a0style is edgy and\u00a0futuristic\u00a0yet wearable. He has studied at\u00a0\u00a0at University College of Arts Craft and Design and the famous Stockholm Academy as well as Central St Martins and worked together with designers\u00a0like\u00a0Alexander McQueen.<\/p>\n His new collections is a clash of hi-tech and natural, sporty and smart-casual and is inspired by brutalist\u00a0architecture\u00a0and music.<\/p>\n Karl Annus has been handcrafting wooden spectacles since 2010 and until now were tailor-made for every clients unique facial features and preferences.\u00a0This\u00a0is his first ready-to-wear collection.<\/p>\n The spectacles are made from ebony, walnut,\u00a0zebra no, maple, ash and oak using only natural oils.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n