While most 16-year-olds are content hanging out at the mall on weekends, Kira Plastinina is busy running her own fashion empire. The Russian teenager began her signature label last year and already has more than 50 stores to her name.
How is it possible? It helps that her father is a rather wealthy orange juice magnate, who is also quick to recognise a clever marketing opportunity when it presents itself. Age has been Plastinina's biggest ally. The international press has gone absolutely ga-ga over the story of the teenage heiress who is proving her fashion mettle in an industry notoriously quick to swallow impostors. A celebrity following hasn't hurt business either, with both Paris Hilton and Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester attending launch parties in the US.
In the lead-up to her first appearance at Milan Fashion Week, Kira took time to talk about her Malibu-inspired collection and explain why she's not just another spoilt little rich girl.
This is your first show in Milan, how do you feel?
I feel very excited! Milan is the fashion capital and it's a great honour for me to be among the greatest designers of the world. It has always been one of my greatest dreams that now comes true.
Can we expect any celebrities in your front row?
I'm always happy to have friends attending my shows. I'll be having some special guests at my Milan one. I'm sure they will surprise you.
What was the inspiration behind this current collection?
The collection is inspired by the energy and the overwhelming charm of Malibu, with its bright colours such as delicate pink, seductive fuchsia, mysterious black and charming yellow. Models will amaze with a casual and fresh elegance combining the incompatibles: graffiti with roses, fleece with silk, grunge with glamour.
The heroine of this collection wants to be different and wear t-shirts with dowdy slogans as well as glamorous evening dresses made of transparent silk.
What interested you about fashion?
Since I was a child I loved to draw the clothes that I would wear myself. I have always loved fashion. I love reading fashion magazines, dressing myself up. I think a real girl should be stylish.
How would you describe the Kira Plastinina customer?
Girls who love wearing my outfits want to stand out from the crowd. They have a strong personality and want to always appear cool and trendy.
Do you find that it's hard for be taken seriously in this cutthroat industry because of your age?
If a person works hard, age doesn't matter. The most important thing is passion for work. I don't think about my age at work, I take it very seriously.
You have been known to incorporate phrases from text messages in your designs.
I like to express the aim of my collection in a few words through messages. I think it's an easier way to reach the heart of people and to spread a thought.
You were recently in New York during Fashion Week, what were some of the highlights?
Actually I didn't have any chance to see the shows. But I love fashion in New York. You can see all the fashion trends in the streets, not only on the catwalk.
Most girls at 16 are happy to be given a car from their parents. Do you feel especially privileged that your father has been able to support your dream?
I have a very good relationship with my family. They have always supported my projects and they have always believed in me. For this reason I want them to be proud of me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to grow professionally. After I finish the Anglo-American School of Moscow. I would like to attend Central Saint Martin's School of Art as I would like to improve my skills.
Who are your fashion heroes?
I like Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy, they are real fashion icons to me.
Fendi
The unstoppable fashion machine that is Karl Lagerfeld brought modernism to sheer fabrics and bell-shaped skirts at Fendi, creating a dynamic new shape from soft fabric in soft colours. Cinched at the waist with wide mirrored belts, the looks, in sheer nudes or broderie Anglaise, were simultaneously adorable and sharp. Look out for the cool white bags, too.
— Staff report
Five minutes with Val Garland
Freelance make-up artist Val Garland talks about emerging trends backstage at Dsquared2, where she was working with M.A.C
What's the inspiration behind this show?
The look is a new take on Charlie's Angels. It's a bit '70s. It's about hot-looking women off to lunch in Cannes and glamour, glamour, glamour.
Can the look be adapted for everyday wear?
This make-up can be dressed down to a normal reality because it's just an expansion of the smoky eye but ultimately it's red carpet make-up.
How have you treated the skin?
Skin is real, fresh, a bit dewy. There is a lot of flesh in the collection so we wanted to match the bodies with the faces. When we did the test we started off with lots of tan and blush but when I looked at it afterwards it came off looking a bit old fashioned.
What are the emerging trends for summer 2009?
This season is not about nudes, it's about make-up. The detail is in the eyes and a lot heavier on the eyes than we would normally see for a spring-summer season. Colour trends that are coming through are lots of metallics, lots of gold and on lips we are seeing a lot of violets or purple shades.
