Atelier 1 was established as a designer retail shop in Kiev, providing a platform for selected Ukrainian designers within a conceptual retail environment alongside brands such as Comme des Garçons and Junya Watanabe. Business partners Helen Khilkova, Helen Gorbunenko and David Foley have developed Atelier 1 as Kiev’s ultimate destination store.

Following the retail success and under the creative direction of David Foley, Atelier 1 has developed its own label designed by Liliya Poustovit and Vladimir Podolyan. As the Ukraine’s most recognised designer, Liliya Poustovit has shown in the Ukraine for over a decade. Vladimir Podolyan was discovered in a competition to find emerging talent in Kiev.

The brand’s first foray internationally was a concession in Dover Street Market, London. Followed shortly afterwards by Dover Street Market, Tokyo. In February 2007 Atelier 1 debuted off-schedule at London Fashion Week, where they conducted a small salon presentation to showcase the Autumn Winter 2008 collection. Accounts with some of the best international stores followed, including Corso Como in Italy, L’Eclaireur in Paris and Weathervane in Los Angeles.

The aesthetic of Atelier 1 is to create modern, timeless pieces with thought provoking but wearable details. All fabrics are developed in Italy and are of the highest quality. Collections are built upon and added to each season. Rejecting transient trends in favour of a more subtle approach, the clothing speaks to a confident and creative customer and transcends age.

For Spring Summer 2009 the collection takes its inspiration from LA idols in the 1970s; think Farrah Fawcett and Jacklyn Smith. A colour palette of soft, dusty pinks, nudes, ivory, greys and silver compliment the theme. Dresses made of silk and cotton feature ruffles and pleats. The collection, which also includes jackets and skirts, is one of wearable, feminine clothing.