Venexiana is a relatively new fashion label that launched in the Fall of 2003. The label includes both a ready-to-wear collection as well as an accessory line.
Venexiana designer Kati Stern was born in Budapest, Hungary, and after some time working as an architect she decided to put architecture aside and pursue her first love – fashion. She began by designing costumes for the Carnevale in Venice, but soon thereafter went on to launch her own line. Some say that Stern has single-handedly brought drama back to New York Fashion Week and we are not disagreeing.
Truth be told, Venexiana is not for the wallflower or the faint of heart. Courtesan-style corsets, leather, fur, marabou, laser-cut chiffon and lace, winged leather pants and textured hose dominate her runway. And to further support the case, Lil’ Kim, for example, wears Stern’s creations. Stern says Venexiana, “fills in the gap between ready-to-wear and couture.”
In her last two Fall/Winter collections, she has been recognized and adored for her super soft and sexy leather gloves, which are elaborately detailed and are often adorned with luxurious fur. Season after season, Stern manages to bring to New York the sort of life and theatrics that Alexander McQueen and John Galliano bring to the European shows.
