The Bite Magazine - Autmn/Winter 2020 - Issue 28

bitefashion All of the luxuriant knitted couture pieces are made from silk, fine wool, or cotton yarn. “Our delicately embroi- dered bodies are hand-embroidered and embellished with high-quality pearls, laces, ribbons, beads, and sequins,” says the brand. Interestedly, due to the intricate way the materials are used in the creation of their knitted couture pieces, even some of their most sumptuous dresses and bodies can easily fit into a small handbag.  You will discover the patterns and technologies used in these knitted and embroidered couture pieces are unique and mainly unknown in the rest of the world. The lus- ciously detailed garments can be considered works of art and are living mementos of Estonia’s unique folk culture. As they are created one pearl and stitch at a time, the garments can take up to a couple of weeks to complete the initial stage whilst one exquisite gown usually takes 2-3 months to finish.  Since inception, the couturier has presented her collec- tions at various fashion weeks, firstly at Tallinn Fashion Week in 2009, which then continued in 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2017. She was also nominated for the Golden Needle, Estonian Fashion Award in 2011, 2014, and 2017. Follow- ing this, she showed at Riga Fashion Week in Latvia and London Fashion Week in 2013; London Couture Fashion Week in 2014; London Fashion Week in 2016; and Vilnius Bridal Fashion Showcase, New York, and Paris Fashion Week in 2017.  From the first couture collection ‘Eva’ to the latest enti- tled ‘Senta’, these are the pinnacle of meticulous tailoring. Some of the stunning pieces include Mai, a stretch tulle gown embellished with hand-embroidered yarn inspired and adapted from Estonian National Costumes, and bead floral, decorated with fringe and lace. Evita in grey melange is an evening dress with an open-back and cutout detail made in lace and with hand-embroidered beaded embellishments.  The sensational Julia is a transparent stretch-tulle base open-back flared dress that will get everybody’s immedi- ate attention. The dress is covered with delicate lace and hand-embroidered yarn and embellished in glass beads. It is accompanied with a tulle petticoat that has the hook and eye closure behind the neck. Elegant in all its glory, Mildred is a creamy white wool crepe dress with shoulder patch details on transparent stretch-tulle. The bodice, shoulder, and pocket details are covered in sequins.  It’s not just exquisite dresses that Kristina Viirpalu creates; you will find tailored skirts, trousers, jackets, and coats as well as bikinis, bodysuits and bridal within the collection. The Kerli silk satin trousers with side pockets are designed with a lace decorated transparent mesh cutout detail on the back and closure at the front. Tiina is a 3/4 length wool-blend trousers with pockets and embroidered embellishments which are also inspired and