Hamlet. The Lost Certainty. Spring/Summer 2007

Lena Karin for Karin&Gorelik.

Lena Karin made a new interpretation of this complicated subject rethought by directors and critics more than once.

Characters of ambiguous Hamlet and controversial Ophelia served as sources of the designer’s inspiration. The entire collection in the form of a stage play addresses the tragic relations of the couple.

There are no other characters in the play but three key characters performed by the following famous persons: Yegor Zaitsev as the Ghost of Hamlet’s father, Armen Grigoryan, front man from the «Krematorij» band, as the Gravedigger, and remarkable Nasya Demich, who delivered a smashing performance as Ophelia.

Black and white clothes are interlaced with associative details of the 16th century garments. Flamboyant posed photos formed the basis for the designer’s phototectures characteristic of Lena Karin’s photos.

The plots featuring sometimes absolutely nude models are imprinted in the cuttings. However, the most straightforward of them are hidden in the pockets, pleats or numerous zippers. A project with secretes on the inner side. A single component turn is sufficient for converting seemingly strict skirts and transformer pants to crazy haute couture attire.

Each item is given its own name: «Raincoat for philosopher’s promenades», «Jacket for vows and promises», «Drowned Ophelia’s scarf», «Skirt of secret desires», etc.

Airy dresses made of white real silk come along with coarse black cotton and soft jersey. Such accessories as translucent handbags, hourglass handbags, etc. crown the visual image.

There is also the might-have-been bride’s wedding dress to top this all.