Paris Fashion Week. Kęstas Rimdžius prêt-à-porter AW26/27

After Riga Fashion Week, one day Kęstas said: “Next stop - Paris. Are you in?”
I simply nodded - sure, sure. As if it were a beautiful, but unreachable dream. And yet, on March 5, we were already landing at the airport in Paris.

The final days leading up to this trip were an unforgettable emotional roller coaster that Kęstas and his assistant Saulė will remember for the rest of their lives. Stress, anxiety, and the news that due to the ongoing war the event might not happen at all. The venue for the show changed, and so did the lineup of designers presenting alongside us. That period could truly be described as a whirlwind of emotions.

But once we landed in Paris, everything suddenly took on a different colour. The city welcomed us warm, almost summery. Outdoor restaurant terraces were full of elegantly dressed people, and there was a special energy in the streets, it felt as if Fashion Week was happening not only in exclusive venues for invited guests, but throughout the entire city.

Our first meeting with the event organizers brought a great sense of calm. They did everything possible to make sure our show would happen and, even after the circumstances changed, they managed to find a new venue for the collection presentation. True professionals who immediately made us feel that we were in good hands. Although, while saying goodbye, one of the organizers noticed that her handbag had disappeared (Paris reminded us of another side of the city something our apartment host had warned us about on the very first day), we still left the meeting able to breathe a little easier.

Paris is not only the city of fashion but also of flavours. Here, every evening becomes a small ritual. One of the dishes we enjoyed the most, found in almost every little restaurant, is the classic beef tartare with fries. Simple, authentic, and incredibly delicious.

The next day was filled with intense work: fittings, selecting models, and final touches to the collection. The organizers’ team had everything arranged down to the smallest detail, so the work moved quickly, precisely, and smoothly.

And then the big day arrived.

The collection was presented in the elegant space of La Galerie Bourbon. Backstage there was a focused calm: makeup was being done, garments prepared, jewellery adjusted. These are the moments when adrenaline and creative energy merge into one.

Kęstas’ collection was presented third. Backstage, the tension for the entire team had reached its peak. We will never forget that feeling when first designer showed up on stage. 

But soon the specially composed soundtrack for the collection by Simona Burbaitė began to play, and twelve looks were presented on the runway, their images completed by jewellery and accessories created by Ginger Tail.

From the very first stages of the creative process, Kęstas and I agreed that in this collection clothing and jewellery would be inseparable, together they would create one cohesive visual story.

The collection opened with a strong red accent: a coat, a bomber jacket, and leather pieces complemented by gold jewellery. Later, grey silhouettes appeared, subtly paired with silver accessories, leaving a striking impression on the guests. At the culmination of the collection came soft, light pink fabrics and dresses with transparent textures, creating an amazing dreamy effect. The story ultimately closed with the return of the red accent, a sweater and a dramatic long skirt.

The guests of the evening were just as impressive as the event itself. Elegance, style, and a unique atmosphere accompanied the entire evening. Among those attending the presentation was the Lithuanian ambassador to France Arnoldas Pranckevičius, and as many as fifty guests had arrived specially from Lithuania to support Kęstas.

After the event, we continued discussing the impressions for a long time at the Grand Palais, one of the most impressive symbols of Parisian architecture, where fashion houses such as Chanel host their shows. It was an evening when everything finally came together into one story.

This was the third collection I worked on with Kęstas, creating jewellery and accessories. I am deeply grateful for this trust and creative freedom.

For this collection, we chose the bow and its interpretations as the central symbol. This is how the massive earrings, brooches, and rings were born, sculptural, bold, and expressive.

Photo credits: Anna Creator Alicante @Slavova.works

For the jewellery I used silver, gold, and brass, while for the sparkling effect I chose moissanites and large Swarovski crystals. These are pieces that cannot go unnoticed, they create a play of light, character, and stories.

Stories that begin on a runway in Paris and later continue in the lives of the people who choose to wear them.

Thank you, Kęstas, for this journey together. And one more special thanks to the other two incredible ladies, Saule and Greta, who were not only amazing team members but true buddies throughout the entire experience.

See you soon again, Paris 🫶