Bulgarian Designer Salon Exhibition IVAN ASEN 22:

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

For over 10 years, designer Neli Mitewa has staged the unique creations of independent, young Bulgarian fashion designers twice a year in Sofia. She is not only the curator of the exclusive exhibition, but also the founder of the only conceptual designer platform in Bulgaria:
IVAN ASEN 22.

This year’s summer edition of the Bulgarian designer salon Ivan Asen 22 is dedicated to escapism. Immersion in surreal landscapes of dream worlds as protection from the uncertainty of the present are the basis of the design event titled A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Inspiration can be found in Greek mythology, the Renaissance period and in surrealism, likewise in the moonlight, which creates a mystical atmosphere of multi-layered reality.

„The topic A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM has a wide range of inspirations for individual interpretations. The uncertainty in our present time is the basis of the summer design event.“

Neli Mitewa, designer and founder of the designer salon Ivan Asen 22.

The inspiration behind the topic is based on dreams that create hybrid spaces where sky and sea merge. Dream analysis and the unconscious are keys for surrealists in developing methods for unleashing the imagination. With photographic precision they paint imaginary, illogical scenes, create strange creatures from everyday objects and develop techniques that manifest the subconscious. In the rejection of the rational, in a world of recklessness and madness, emotions and introspection, looking inward, begin to play an increasingly important role. The inside is reflected like in a mirror and becomes visible to the outside. The focus is also on physical conditions caused by emotions: palpitations, sadness, tears, tremors, fear, lightness or heaviness.

The interpretations in the creations include collage patterns, organic three-dimensionality and layers. The clash of the apparently incompatible creates harmony. Pleats and cutouts in atypical places, three-dimensional volumetric, geometric or organic details that ‚protrude‘ from the garment are some of the characteristic details. Strictly geometrically arranged or messy overlays and ruffles create impressive textures. The patterns are inspired by surreal flora, outer space, naive children’s drawings or surreal drawings and collages. The color world is dominated by blurred, muted pastel tones and mysterious night violet and creates a melancholic atmosphere.

The designers takeing part in the event are Prototype 23, Dilyana Ivanova, Georgi Florov, Dinka Kasabova-DK, Roses of the Queen’s Dog, YOD by Yana Dvoretska, nelmit, Jar & Jam, Rositsa Mrsic, Slavina Petrova, Milena Nacheva, Teodora Shumanova , Yuliana Yanakova, Stiliana Dzhongova, Evgeni Petkov-Eugenio, Anelia Antova, Dilyana Cholakova, Militsa Milanova, Eli Nenkovska, Kristina Lyubenova, Vintage Sofia and Inna Gabrovska. The presented jewelry is from Kalina Chankova, Gergana Trukanova, Katya Lazarova, KENNA Jewelry, Five Seasons and Vyara Ivanova.

The Ivan Asen 22 exhibition A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM takes place from June 2-30 in Sofia. It is being realized with the financial support from the National Culture Fund Bulgaria as part of the program ‚One-year support of private professional organizations in the field of arts‘. Visits to the designer salon can be made by prior appointment by phone 0888399506, messages on Facebook and email to nelmit@yahoo.de. There are also special design weekends: 11./12.06. ‚Caribbean Party‘ with the collection of Evgeni Petkov-Eugenio, and on 25./26.06. will be the presentation of the summer 2022 collection of Prototype 23.

photos: Petyr Tanovski
model: Elisaveta Angelova
makeup: Arina Miteva
hair: Stanimir Barutchiev-Miro
styling & set design: Anelia Antova, Stanislava Dimitrova