In the new season, the designer Katerina Rutman creatively reinterprets the road movie, a genre of cinema in which the plot focuses on a journey that changes the circumstances of everyday life. The epic journeys, such as the Odyssey or the Aeneid, certainly inspired Katerina Rutman, because the main characters are amazingly reincarnated throughout the story. The Katerina Rutman FW25-26 collection embodied a magical journey to the island of eternal spring, always blooming and mysterious. Madeira is a mystical place where nature appears in its most magnificent beauty. Green mountains, black sands, bright flowers, and the boundless azure of the Atlantic. This natural symphony became the palette for the new demi-couture collection.

Katerina Rutman describes Madeira as a pearl of paradise on Earth, where traditions and nature intertwine in perfect harmony. Her collection captures this atmosphere through a rich interplay of colors and textures. The emerald hues of lush slopes, the deep black velvet of volcanic landscapes, the delicate tones of floral diversity, and the transparency of ocean waves.

The island’s rocky landscapes inspired the designer to create refined silhouettes: airy skirts made of organza, adorned with pearls and tiny crystals reminiscent of sunlight shimmering on water. Saturated green suits and dresses, echoing the depth of tropical flora, contrast with the lightness of flowing fabrics that dance with every movement.

One of the key references for the collection is Funchal—the heart of Madeira. The city’s main square, adorned with black-and-white mosaic patterns, inspired striking accent details in the collection. This element adds graphic precision, reflecting the island’s unique character.

Katerina Rutman also drew inspiration from Madeira’s cultural heritage. Her love for floral motifs found expression in the island’s famous Flower Festival when the streets transformed into a blooming paradise. Deep burgundy hues in the collection pay homage to Madeira’s renowned winemaking tradition, as the island is famous for its legendary wine.

Tactile sensations played a vital role in creating the collection. Dense fabrics combined with sheer, airy materials reflect the mystique of the Fanal laurel forest, which is almost always shrouded in a thick fog, like a veil of tulle. Luxurious black velvet dresses adorned with golden floral details embody the mesmerizing sunset over the peaks of Pico do Arieiro.

In selecting materials, Katerina meticulously chose textures that resonate with Madeira’s landscapes: translucent green taffeta reminiscent of mountain peaks, and azure organza mirroring the ocean waves. The Katerina Rutman FW25-26 collection is more than just clothing. It is a journey where each piece tells its own story, conveying the magic of Madeira.

Photo: Andriy Sokolov