Sabina Bilenko SS23 Silk Road

Sabina Bilenko's latest couture collection for spring summer 2023 is a testament to the designer's intimate connection to her heritage. Taking inspiration from her birthplace of Uzbekistan, the collection embodies the rich cultural tapestry of this ancient region.

The team's research journey through the mountains, cities, and traditions of Uzbekistan resulted in the infusion of its unique visual language into every detail of the couture pieces. With its kaleidoscopic hues and enigmatic symbols, the country's artistry and craftsmanship inspired the collection's color choices, embellishments, and patterns.

The collection presents a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic ikat print in the form of a translucent tulle dress embellished with degradé sequins and gems in shades of red, gold, and blue. Paisley, a 2000-year-old pattern taken from ancient robes, is a recurring theme in the collection. New techniques, such as woven metalwork and resin treatments, were explored to achieve these ornate details. The collection also pays tribute to the rare tiger, a native animal to Uzbekistan, with its stripes augmented in thousands of glittering sequins, bugle beads, and crystals.

Sabina Bilenko's spring summer 2023 couture collection is a celebration of the ancient traditions of a country and the storied traditions of couture through a highly personal lens.