Petar Petrov’s designs whisper rather than shout. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from the world’s finest fabrics, his collections offer just the right amount of directional flair. Based outside the traditional fashion capitals in Vienna, Petrov works on his own terms, creating pieces that are uniquely his own. This season, he leaned into his playful instincts, creating a collection that was both whimsical and sophisticated.
The playful nature of the collection was immediately evident in the lookbook, which was intentionally absurd and served as a platform to showcase not only Petrov’s fantastic clothes but also his wry sense of humor. The opening look featured one of Petrov’s signature oversized leather jackets, complete with slits at the side for customizability. Paired with stilettos and two enormous baguettes stuffed through the shoulder epaulettes, the look was both unexpected and incredibly chic.
Throughout the collection, models embraced the playful spirit, clutching bananas like pistols, posing with lettuces and gourds at their feet, and balancing tomatoes on their heads. This deliberate use of props underscored the collection’s message: fashion doesn’t always need to be serious.
“I think we need to see everything with a bit more lightness, with a bit more joy, and not be afraid of people saying they don’t like something,” Petrov shared with a grin during a Zoom interview. “We should never be afraid to fail, and I think at the moment it’s really important to grab the customer in a more emotional way.”
Petrov’s loyal clientele undoubtedly feels a strong emotional attachment to his clothes, and the latest collection offers plenty to love. Breezy shirt dresses crafted from sand-washed silk feature adjustable bands at the waist, allowing for versatility and a personalized fit. A coat dress with a cape-like detail at the back manages to be both feminine and powerful, while a new version of the circular hoodie from last season offers a protective and cozy cocoon.
Petrov’s signature tailoring shines throughout the collection, notably with a fabulous black blazer, styled with a floral brooch and dramatically oversized pockets that become an integral part of the silhouette.
The designer’s approach to fashion goes beyond individual pieces; he carefully considers how each collection will complement past seasons, creating a cohesive wardrobe that can be built upon over time.
“I always see the collection as an evolution, from season to season,” Petrov explained. “The weather makes things challenging—there aren’t really winter and summer collections anymore. You can have snow in May, but you can also have 30 degrees in April. So at the moment, the seasons need to be redefined a bit.”
This redefinition of seasons is a direct result of Petrov’s ongoing conversations with the women in his studio, including his friends and clients. He is deeply inspired by their style preferences and seeks to create clothes that feel both relevant and desirable.
“For me, it’s always interesting to be inspired by my friends, clients, and what the women around me want to wear,” Petrov shared.
The word that emerged most prominently throughout our conversation was “generosity.” Petrov’s designs embody generosity of proportion, generosity in the luxurious drapes and twists of the fabrics, and the broader generosity of clothes that never feel constricting.
Despite this focus on generous silhouettes, Petrov didn’t shy away from bolder moments at the end of the collection, mirroring the outlandish styling of the lookbook. A final look featured a hooded silk blouse and denim trousers in subtly different shades of burnt orange, reminiscent of a sartorial tequila sunrise.
“Personally I like more muted colors, but I wanted that freshness this time,” Petrov said. “I wanted to let in the sunlight.”
Petar Petrov’s Spring collection is a celebration of joy, generosity, and the power of fashion to connect with our emotions. It’s a reminder that fashion doesn’t have to be serious to be powerful, and that a touch of whimsy can make all the difference.
