Introduction

Kiko Kostadinov's womenswear has carved a distinctive niche among artists, intellectuals, and fashion rebels who reject conventional style rules. Under the creative direction of twin designers Laura and Deanna Fanning, the label extends the founder's geometric sensibility and nostalgic futurism into womenswear, creating garments that feel both archival and otherworldly. The brand has cultivated a devoted following for its ability to transform historical references into contemporary statements.

What Happened

The label originated as a menswear line in 2016 by Bulgarian designer Kiko Kostadinov, based in London. Two years later, sisters Laura and Deanna Fanning, Central Saint Martins graduates and a couple, expanded the house into womenswear, bringing their shared aesthetic to a broader audience. Days before their October 5 show at Paris Fashion Week, the duo was finalizing their spring/summer 2027 collection in their London studio. Deanna noted the collection felt very clean and very graphic, a deliberate shift after seasons exploring transparencies and silhouette. Their designs often weave together references from the Renaissance to the atomic 1940s, producing pieces that read as both medieval and futuristic - think bomber jackets with triangular epaulets, V-neck cardigan maxi dresses with detachable oversize sleeves, and bicolor hoods walked the fall/winter 2026 runway. The twins credit their aesthetic to a deep interest in textiles, color, and accessories, a triad that shapes the visual identity of each garment. Their upbringing in Australia, where school uniforms sparked a keen eye for footwear detail, and Italian grandparents who sent boxes of craftsmanship from home, further inform their design DNA.

Why This Matters

What sets Kiko Kostadinov womenswear apart is its rare ability to merge utility with imagination. The brand attracts a crowd open to wearing pieces that defy categorization, from niche trousers and flat shoes to textural knits that blend sci-fi futurism with Renaissance ornament. This aesthetic resonates particularly with artists and creatives who view clothing as a tool for perceptual disorientation rather than mere adornment. Laura notes that disorienting the wearer challenges perception, making the clothing experience more transformative. The designers' commitment to craft, rooted in their Italian heritage and Australian upbringing, ensures that each piece, while conceptually daring, remains wearable and meticulously constructed. In a fashion landscape often divided between minimalism and maximalism, Kiko Kostadinov occupies a space where geometric precision meets narrative fantasy, making it a significant reference point for contemporary fashion storytelling.

Key Takeaways

  • Kiko Kostadinov womenswear blends Renaissance, atomic 1940s, and sci-fi influences into a recognizable yet unconventional aesthetic.
  • Twin designers Laura and Deanna Fanning helm the label, drawing on their complementary strengths in knitwear and silhouette.
  • The brand cultivates a cult following among artists and intellectuals who value fashion as perceptual experimentation.
  • Fall/winter 2026 and spring/summer 2027 collections emphasize geometric tailoring, textural contrast, and light-inspired design.
  • The designers' background, Australian school uniform exposure and Italian craftsmanship, deeply informs their approach to fabric, fit, and detail.

Conclusion

As Kiko Kostadinov continues to expand its womenswear influence, the twin-led house proves that fashion can be both a visual puzzle and a wearable reality. By weaving together disparate historical threads and futuristic ideals, Laura and Deanna Fanning invite wearers into a continuously evolving sartorial conversation. Their upcoming collections promise to further refine this dialogue, proving that the most compelling style often lives at the intersection of memory, imagination, and intentional design.