Should you require proof that enthusiasm and inspiration are flip sides of the same creative coin, look no further than Natalia Alaverdian, who parlays a seemingly natural supply of the former into an abundance of the latter. Initially, she explained the first pre-collection for her label A.W.A.K.E. as a study on the jellyfish, praising its “sleeky and slimy” attributes, and reimagining its gelatinous form as frilled edges on coats and flared pant cuffs. The strips of faux leather that swished from a tantalizing black dress were her translation of tentacles; the clear vinyl overskirt was meant to evoke a fish tank. She then proceeded to name-check superheroes and starfish (the two collided as a single lantern-sleeved blouse paired with a red pleather skirt, the lineup’s kookiest look). Apparently, extraterrestrials are a constant source of fascination, hence the silvery leisure pants.
But if the truth is out there, it’s in the stores, which account for Alaverdian’s improved sensitivity toward meeting retail imperatives without spiting her joie de vivre. Scratchy tweed burlap tops come lined, and a striped cotton men’s shirt was shown in two versions: a twisted horizontal drape and comparatively classic vertical fit. Her crisp overcoats—especially the one combining gingham, navy, and khaki—could hold their own in any shop. One sticking point: A floor-grazing white dress soaked in a solution to produce its statuesque shape felt unreasonably weighty. “I could have made it lighter but it looks so cool,” she said, insisting that its “hold on the body” would sway skeptics. In showing paper-bag trousers and duster coats on guys, Alaverdian smartly projects the inclusive whimsy of her designs, even if she has no official plans to expand into menswear. She says the powder pink down jacket has attracted all types already. Enthusiasm from others is always a bonus.
