Krikor Jabotian was inspired by an Armenian legend for his Spring Summer 2014 collection Akhtamar. Princess Tamar lived on a small island (Akdamar island) located on Lake Van, Turkey. The princess fell in love with a commoner, which is where the story takes a Bollywood style twist. At night, her beloved would swim from the mainland to the island, guided by a light Tamar lit for him. Tamar’s father soon finds out about the secret meetings between the two lovers and destroys the light, while his daughter is waiting for her lover to return to the island. The boy is lost in the middle of the lake with no idea which direction to swim in…His body washed ashore, his last words “Akh, Tamar” (Oh, Tamar) were frozen on his lips.
A tip for the hopeless romantics; there is a statue of the princess, waiting for her love, which you can visit in Armenia.
The collection
I can’t seem to find the right words to express my love for this collection. It is breathtaking and I have temporarily lost my ability to speak and am only able to stare, admiring Krikor’s designs. This collection exists of beautiful gowns, from floor length gowns to dramatic ball gowns. Krikor plays with different skirt lengths, giving them a modern touch. If this is Princess Tamar’s wardrobe, then it is one every woman would want to steal. The regal designs ooze opulence. The designs are decorated with intricate embroidery and made from expensive looking fabrics. Tulle fabric was used to create great volume and sheer fabric was used to give it a delicate, romantic look and feel. I adore the ‘royal’ capes that are attached to some of the dresses. My absolute favorite is a floor length gown made from light fabric, with a sheer ‘cape’. Silver embellishments were sprinkled over this gown like fairy dust. It really suits the romantic vibe of this collection and emphasizes the ‘royal’ theme. Another one of my favorites is a fierce red gown. A tulle skirt combined with a cape jacket. The overall look is quite rebellious, pushing the fashion boundaries. It really suits the story of princess Tamar, a fierce woman who rebels against her father’s wishes by falling for a boy of her own liking. Shamefully her love story does not have a happy ending, but without it we wouldn’t have had this beautiful collection.
Tip: I highly recommend you visit krikorjabotian.com to see more from this talented designer.
Krikor Jabotian
Lebanese designer Krikor Jabotian began working at Elie Saab’s creative department after graduating from l’Ecole Superieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode in Beirut. After this experience Krikor started designing work of his own and was selected by the Starch Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Maison Rabih Kayrouz. Known ‘alumni’ of the Starch Foundation are Rami Kadi, Bashar Assaf and Hussein Bazaza. Krikor Jabotian set up his own atelier at the young age of 23. Today Krikor Jabotian’s atelier is a successful family run business.
