In a single season, Fiona Sinha and Aleksandar Stanic’s speed metal sounding women’s line Sinhastanic is drumming up noise in London. With the requisite St. Martins womenswear degrees, Sinha and Stanic turned their design principles to wrapping, draping, and folding, not with any tight tailoring, but with a Rick Owens louche. Slouchy, draped jersey dresses in blood red that tuck under at the hem to produce a slight ballooning effect, long monochromatic layered tops with the odd sequin silver panel, and raw sleeveless white chiffon wraps highlight some of honest and wearable directions for spring.

The duo’s designs may not be in stores yet, but it seems they are already on the fast track to success. Sinhastanic has recently landed a contract with AEFEE — the Italian luxury goods company that distributes Alberta Ferretti, Moschino, and Jean Paul Gaultier. As the first British label to ever be taken on by the venerable distributor, perks include a team of staff to help them develop their collections and a showroom space in their Milan headquarters to present and sell. According to Colin McDowell, London’s resident fashion godfather, what this deal really means is that Sinhastanic’s clothes “will be beautifully made and distributed at the right time” — a feat not easily achieved in London.


-Gudrun Willcocks

Photos: Sinhastanic s/s ’05