Antwerp has for a long time had significant impact on fashion, with the Antwerp 6 dominating our wardrobes and publications across the world.
Now it is RA, an Antwerp based boutique come exhibition space, which is impacting on the fashion world. The opening of the RA Paris satelite this month has seen a new RA space host the launch of Serkan Cura’s spring/summer12 Haute Couture collection. Florence Storey spoke to Serkan about Haute Couture and his work with RA.
Romain Brau and Anna Kushnernova are responsible for this bohemian inspired original concept and it is from this pair that the store takes its name.
RA Antwerp has supported emerging fashion and artistic talent in Belgium and is now aiming to do the same in Paris. As a luxury boutique it stocks an eclectic selection of new designers from Meadham Kirchhoff to Serkan Cura and plush vintage offerings from Alaïa to Chanel.
It will play host to a number of events including readings, performance art as well as intimate fashion shows and it is this “salon” ambiance and theatrical experience that is said to evoke the spirit and passion of the city of light.
In addition to the store opening RA showed Serkan Cura’s spring/summer12 Haute Couture collection. Cura has a striking pedigree studying fashion at the Royal Academy of Antwerp and then working for Jean-Paul Gaultier and Corset maker Mr. Pearl.
A newcomer on the Couture scene, Serkan Cura presented a collection that showcased his skill with corsetry and focused on sheer fabrics, tulle and various plumage from small white feathers to multi-coloured tropical wings.
We managed to gain a little more insight in to the designer, his work and showing at the RA grand opening in Paris.
Florence Storey: What is the inspiration behind the collection?
Serkan Cura: The main inspiration behind the collection was a September day at the beach in Ostende, Belgium. Tendency grayish, foam and sand. All the collection is a kind of second skin for women…
FS: What was it like working at Gautier?
SC: It was an extraordinary experience. Working with “l’enfant terrible de la mode” and realizing all his wishes was very enriching.
FS: Do you think your time working there and with other brands has shaped you as a designer?
SC: No. I’m born to become a designer and to work in Haute Couture. I was always fascinated by this world and those skills in disappearance.
FS: Why did you decide to show at the RA opening in Paris?
SC: The show at RA was an idea between me and the team of RA. Showing the new generation of Haute Couture in a new store in Paris was a great idea to promote an accessible Haute Couture collection.
FS: what role do you think a show has in delivering your message as a designer?
SC: For me, a show has to create emotions and dreams to everybody.
FS: If you could pick a favourite collection (apart from your own) from this season what would it be?
SC: Joker!
FS: Paris or Antwerp
SC: Paris of course!
by Florence Storey
RA is at RA bvba Kloosterstraat 13 2000 Antwerp, and now at RA Paris, 14 rue de la Corderie Paris 75003. See www.ra13.be or www.facebook.com/ra13.be for more information.
