MBFWA WE ARE KINDRED RESORT 20

Photo credit: Stefan Gosatti for Getty Images

                                       “Bohème Heart”

At the centre of every runway show, there is heart, and there is a story. A story that transports you to different eras, different locations, to different journeys. One can never know which journey a runway show will take you on, until the very moment you step inside.

The most obvious cue are the smallish programs seated on the front row. Some might have gigantic installations erected in the middle of the “runway.” Others, choose the simple route of lining the runway with elements of their story.

In the case of We Are Kindred, the rectangular runway was lined with what could only be described as a dilapidated Persian rug in a cerulean blue hue with a white trim. Its once magnificent floral pattern, scuffed and and well worn down to its white thread depicted something that has seen better days.

That well-worn rug instantly transported us to a place, otherworldly to the urban cityscape of Eveleigh, where we sat and waited. The program seated beside us provided another clue to the journey we were about to experience. 

Entitled ‘Bohème Heart,’ it is a song to the carefree, summery days spent at the French countryside. Soft and flowing in silk organza and cotton broderie, each garment connected with the Bohemian philosophy of wanderers from the roving Romani people, believed to arrive from Bohemia, with their deeply ingrained pursuits of the liberal arts, music and of the spirit. 

This free spirit was captured in tiered ruffles demonstrated on sleeves and hemlines, to the paisley and gingham prints, all in sky blue and honey yellows. Dark shades of blues and blacks slowly crept in as the Bohemian, European lifestyle reached the shores of North America.

It is this point of history, that sisters, Lizzie and Georgie Renkert infused their ‘Bohème Heart’ with a distinctly country western flavour.

Silhouettes romanticised cowgirls of a bygone era, with dainty lace trimming on the hems of shorts and linen micro skirts. But the inclusion of western styled shirts, all accessorised with high-high suede cowboy boots and western scarves proved to be a power punch stylised addition.

The very essence of ‘Bohème Heart’ is the freedom of this Bohemian lifestyle. The Renkert sisters perfectly captures the styling elements and influences, found from following the travelling journey from central Bohemia, to the French and Spanish countrysides, before arriving to the North America in their Resort collection.

This is their story.