Fashion designer Tatyana Parfionova’s new collection on show in Milan

An exhibition showcasing the ‘demi couture’ collection from Tatyana Parfionova, one of St Petersburg’s leading fashion designers, is now open at Milan’s Aterlier ABC gallery.

Entitled Love Confession, Parfionova’s collection stays true to her reputation of blending art and craftsmanship, comprising light, multilayered dresses made from silk, embroideries, nets and printed appliques which all feature hand stitching. Using international symbols from different cultures and religions, including elephants, fish, birds, snakes and insects, Love Confession is Parfionova’s projection of an ideal world.

Parfionova said: “The world is based on life-asserting symbols. It rests on seven elephants symbolising stability and strength. The monkey is a symbol of art, the blue bird a symbol of happiness and luck, butterflies are holy souls, flying with bees to produce the music of an ideal world.”

The collection — referred to as ‘demi couture’ due to its intricacy and price tag, but which is technically ‘off the rack’ — was part of the Vogue Fashion’s Night Out Milano event and was displayed throughout Milan Fashion Week which ran earlier this month. Love Confession will be on display at the exhibition space until 10 October.