We knew as soon as we set eyes on Vjera Vilicnik’s lace-embellished dresses that they were too good to be denied to the petite population. The Croatian-born, London-based designer honed her way with lace at Ecole Lesage in Paris – the Chanel-owned haute couture embroidery house that has been at the forefront of exceptional craftsmanship for almost a century.
Intricate floral accents inform Vilicnik’s design DNA but what sets her apart is how she marries the whimsical while retaining sophistication. The dresses she has specially customised for Bomb Petite are occasionwear show-stoppers: big on detail but not loaded with frame-swamping fussiness. As one of our closest collaborators, Vilicnik invited us to her studio to discover what makes her really tick, so check out the photos below then read on for an exclusive Q&A with the designer.
How would you describe your label?
Wearable romance.
What type of woman do you have in mind when designing your collections?
She is a mother that sings her children to sleep then dances the night away; she is a woman that skips a step when her thoughts move her; she is in love with LOVE.
Why did you decide to do a collection for petites?
I enjoy working on bespoke and made to order pieces, and designing for petites is a privilege to be able to offer properly fitted and sized pieces to women of different shapes and sizes.
What is it like being a fashion designer?
For me it is a job, but a job that I love and enjoy every minute of. I don’t see myself as an artist but I do try to create more than a garment: each piece has been thought about thoroughly – colour, shape, details, fabric… It all has to make sense, and at the end of the day, stir emotion in the customer in order to buy it.
What inspires you?
Colours and how they interact; textures and how they feel; women in different situations…
Who is your personal style icon?
I don’t have icons – and I don’t think it’s good to have them. There are woman whose style I like in particular times of my life, but that’s constantly changing as I’m growing and my aesthetic evolves.
What piece of clothing makes you feel amazing?
My off pink cashmere coat in the classic 50s shape – I feel strong, feminine and one-of-a-kind wearing it.
What is your ultimate go-out outfit?
A knee-length ladylike dress with lace detailing always looks good.
What is your favourite colour combination?
Pink and red is my all time favourite, but I’m falling for yellow lately.
Where do you like to shop?
Daydreaming on Mytheresa.com, or Avenue32.com is my favourite pastime.
What are your favourite places in London?
Daunt bookstore on Marylebone High Street to waste time, and the 4th floor of Liberty for homewares.
What are your favourite travel destinations?
I had the best babymoon in Thailand and can’t wait to go again.
What is your favourite quote of all time?
When you are working, work; when you are dancing, DANCE.
