AKRIS SPRING/SUMMER 2024
In the world of fashion, an Akris show is more than a display of garments; it’s an immersive journey through art history. This season, Albert Kriemler unveiled his latest revelation, introducing the world to the remarkable artist Felice (Lizzi) Rix-Ueno, whose contributions to the Wiener Werkstätte period have long been overshadowed by her gender. Now, a century later, Rix-Ueno is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. The Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna is set to host the exhibition “Stars, Feathers, Tassels,” showcasing Rix-Ueno’s exquisite drawings for textiles, wallpaper, and home goods, with Akris as a proud sponsor.
Rix-Ueno’s influence was palpable on the runway, as her art seamlessly transformed into wearable masterpieces. Her poppy sketch metamorphosed into delicate Saint Gallen embroidery, adorning the opening cocktail dress. The design of an Easter bonbon box graced the front of a white shirtdress, crafted from two rectangles. An abstract watercolor and pencil rendering of birds came alive on a simply cut button-down and matching cargo pants. Each piece was not just clothing; it was a canvas for Rix-Ueno’s transcendent artistry.
The collection radiated with clean, minimal lines, a testament to Kriemler’s meticulous design sensibilities. In a season marked by unusually warm temperatures, Kriemler introduced a silk organza, a material both elegant and incredibly lightweight, tailored impeccably for suits and a sweeping black trench. The evening ensembles, adorned with platinum silk fringe cascading to the floor, paid homage to Rix-Ueno’s legacy. “To creativity, it’s freedom,” Kriemler remarked, emphasizing the profound connection between artistic expression and the liberation it brings.
In the realm of Akris, Rix-Ueno’s creations are more than garments; they are cherished art objects. The prints and embroideries, though breathtaking in their own right, serve as a tribute to an artist whose work has finally found its rightful place in the annals of fashion history. Her art, with its unapologetic vibrancy and captivating curves, breathes new life into the world of fashion. Through Kriemler’s visionary interpretation, Rix-Ueno’s legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation of designers to embrace the boundless possibilities of creativity and craft.
All images courtesy of Akris