Natasha Zinko’s latest collection for this season saw a unique collaboration with her parents, Oleg and Margharita, who joined her team in their 70s. Working tirelessly in her West London studio, they could be seen adding hardware to combat boots and crocheting sock-boots just a day before the presentation. This dynamic trio, along with her son Ivan, brought a sense of family unity to the chaotic fashion world.
The Ukrainian designer’s roots in fashion can be traced back to her teenage years in post-Soviet Odessa, where she learned the art of making jeans for her family to sell at street markets. These humble beginnings instilled in her a belief that there are no limits to what can be achieved with one’s hands.
While denim took a backseat in this collection, the theme of family was prevalent throughout. From transforming grandad’s plaid shirt into tutu-skirted dresses to repurposing grandma’s vintage mink coats into corsets and trimmings, every piece told a story of heritage and reinvention. The make-do-and-mend construction showcased Zinko’s creativity and resourcefulness, drawing on her family’s history of upcycling and altering clothing.
The runway show was not without its star-studded moments, with former Spice Girl Mel B and her daughter, Phoenix Brown, making a special appearance. However, the real highlight was Zinko’s collaboration with Havaianas, which brought a playful twist to traditional footwear with flip-flop thong court shoes and sandals wrapped in faux leather parcel tape. Vinyl skirts resembling reusable shopping bags and skirt sets made from tea towels added a touch of whimsy to the collection, reflecting Zinko’s irreverent and trend-setting style.
From resin-covered bubble gum belt buckles to neon-pink push-up bralettes, every detail in the collection exuded a sense of fun and experimentation. Zinko’s ability to blend trashy with trendy created a unique aesthetic that challenged conventional notions of fashion.
Overall, Natasha Zinko’s latest collection was a celebration of family, creativity, and individuality. By incorporating her parents into her team and drawing inspiration from her own upbringing, she has once again pushed the boundaries of fashion and redefined what it means to be a designer in the modern age.
