Brand
GuDU
All Photos by Artem Zhavrotskiy
Words by Katie Farley
Evoking creative aesthetics that intriguingly witness complicated constructions, and acknowledge a unique integration of characters that imbue feminine and masculine identities, Gudu is a name that commands attention within the fashion industry. Lasha Mdinaradze is the brainchild behind the upcoming label and is dedicated to designing profoundly original visionaries that encompass an air of mystery.
Initially established in 2015, Gudu is a Georgian-Ukrainian brand that focuses on designing contemporary and forward-thinking women’s wear collections. These garments are specifically targeted at those females who are confident and find themselves immersed in a chaotic, urban way of living yet invariably maintains their good looks. Experimenting with silhouettes that are somewhat oversized, Lasha’s overall philosophy is to inject casual outfits with a showering of femininity and general comfort. The label prides itself in believing that each and every item is the equivalent to an art object, thus they do not require any accessories. Each aesthetic is simple enough in itself without the application of any further adornment.
After collaborating with Matérial by Gudu I Ugly (You Gotto Love Yourself), a fellow Georgian fashion label, Mdinaradze was awarded the “Be Next” award, a competition targeted at young fashion designers. Although the upcoming talent has only shown for three seasons, a particular identifiable thread that weaves throughout his showcases can immediately be observed. It seems he has a serious objection to faces, as they are all seen to be mysteriously concealed in black nylon head masks. Some could argue the apparent ambiguousness is to allow his creative dexterities to unapologetically shine and to showcase the craftsmanships as being singularly and fundamentally appreciated, which is a depiction of the brand’s true ideologies.
For Gudu’s Fall, 2017 collection the designer has intermingled athleisure into eveningwear to create a fresh and modern aesthetic that is undeniably awe-inspiring. Many would presume the two conflicting styles would not marry effectively, yet Lasha Mdinaradze certainly illustrates otherwise. The sartorial zeitgeist was inspired by Roma culture in Georgia and Ukraine and resulted in a decadent and sport-esque mood. The black nylon masks were a mandatory feature and were styled with retro turtlenecks and long ribbons fashioned into bows around the collars. Typical casual pieces such as a bomber jacket were seen to be decadently emblazoned via crystal embellishments, whilst similar decorative accents were adorned with side stripes of track pants. Luxurious silks, chiffons, and metallic’s were juxtaposed with sporty silhouettes and deluxe prints.
The latest spring/summer 2018 offerings welcomed the same sumptuous textures but seemed to focus more so on layering and draping, creating an alluring feminine twist against the models blackened head cover-ups. A dramatic fluidity and etherealness emerged via the long, languid fabrications that fluttered with every stride. Even the more structured outfits imbued a ladylike softness, thanks to the pleated peplums, delicate frills, ruffles, and soft finishings. Nonchalant, off-the-shoulder trench coats, silk bomber jackets, and pleated skirts were gorgeous daywear options and eveningwear bedazzled with beautiful, glistening jumpsuits that featured side drapes, asymmetric silky dresses and crystal-encrusted bodices that fell into melodramatic, tiered skirts.
Gudu designs clothing that not only transpires as being unreservedly desirable, they speak to the modern woman who is not afraid to evoke a strong and sensual aesthetic, whilst remaining feminine and alluring in equal measures.
