Clon8 is another brand we have absolutely been in love with since we started this journey of searching out some of the greatest emerging labels. Angelika Chilikova is not only the brains behind the brand, she has been a massive friend of Erebus. She is a half-Greek, half-Russian, Kazakh-born fashion designer who comes from a long line of tailors and craftsmen. Chilikova’s work is infused with cultural references spanning from Central Asia and Russia to the depths of the Adriatic Sea. She has also gained a wealth of experience working with a number of high concept brands in the United Kingdom and Greece.
Now, she has launched her latest collection for Spring Summer '16, Meteora and we are so fortunate to have the collection in The Shop.
Deriving inspiration from the spiritual connection she has with her native Greek homeland, the main idea behind SS16 developed from Chilikova’s powerful creative bond with the architectural patterns of Meteora. Considered one of the most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece, the unique structures from stone and wood appear to be ‘suspended in the air’ and ‘in the heavens above,’ signifying the fragility of the traditional way of life occupied by the monks.
Significant elements that define the collection include votive symbols, historically used to provide individuals with the opportunity to spiritually connect with God. Votive and religious inspiration is the foundation of her creativity. Clon8’s latest collection is composed of clerical cassocks; Angelika pays attention to the votive through the representation of the eyes in both archaic and Christian terms. The eyes represent vision, vision being only inferior to the soul, opens windows to the world around us and the diversified states of being we find ourselves in, providing a better formed future.
Furthermore, through the use of fabrics created by Mother Nature such as cotton and silk, the designer refers to our human connection to earth and it’s elements. Deviating from the norm, Meteora's fabrics were burned alongside different metal elements in order to produce unique and individual prints that characterise the standout collection.
The new CLON8 collection showcases uniqueness through texture, design and creative cutting. The eye-catching Spring Summer ’16 collection forges an intriguing relationship between religion, land and fabric through the execution of dramatic silhouettes and an androgynous aesthetic.
