Highlights: last look at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Ljubljana

It has been an exhilarating week in the Slovenian capital, with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week thrilling fashion fans with the most exciting local talent, both emerging and established.

In case you missed them, here are some highlights:

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Ljubljana, April 2017 CLICHÉ #mbfwlj

A post shared by Camilla Vazzoler (@vazzolercamilla) on Apr 6, 2017 at 3:30pm PDT

Last night the crowd went crazy for Slovenian brand Cliché, as the last model took on the catwalk not in a pair of stilettos but on an airwheel. We were not the only ones holding our breath as we watched her take on the corners of the square-shaped catwalk. Cliché founder Jelena Pirkmajer is known for her innovation and use of high-tech fabrics — this spirit is clearly now making its mark on her runway shows.

Yesterday evening also saw two of our favourite collections take to the catwalk. Slovenian designer Tanja Zorn’s Nude was all about a timeless elegance, with strong lines, black, beige and white ruling in her collection of shorts, skirts, trousers, dresses and coats. Italian brand D’Alpaos also presented a stunning set of eco-friendly unisex creations that managed to combine Japanese lines and Nordic simplicity with a nod to traditional Italian tailoring.

A big shout out must also go to eco-warriors Atelier Terra Urbana, who place sustainability at the centre of the entire creation process and use only organic materials. The Birds of Paradise collection was notable for its digital embroidery and its innovative use of apple leather — an environmentally friendly compromise between using real leather, with the associated ethical concerns, and lower quality synthetic materials.

Going back to the very beginning, one of the first moments of MBFW Ljubljana actually proved to be among the most memorable. The very first designer to present was Ljubljana native Peter Movrin, an emerging designer who is fast making a name for himself internationally — Lady Gaga has been known to step out in some of his creations. His Work in Progress collection centres around brightly coloured jumpsuits and dresses, with huge ruffles and oversized sleeves and legs creating intriguing silhouettes. The most special aspect of this collection, however, could not be a captured in a photo — in an intense moment, the show music was silenced to make way for the echoing rustle of the garments as the models moved.

Last but not least, it would be remiss not to mention the afterparty: guests roaming the catwalk on iconic Slovenian Rog Pony bikes… we will say no more.