Paolina Russo x DSM: futurism and nostalgia through craftsmanship

From their London studio, Alex Russo and Lucile Guilmard get to the essence of modern craftsmanship by combining traditional methods and industrial production. Dover Street Market echoes this and launches an exclusive selection of Paolina Russo’s Illusion Knit garments which she has presented with City Picnic by Aidan Zamiri.

Made in association with the International Woolmark Prize 2023, the pieces have been developed entirely in the UK: from the yarn sourced, to the spinning and weaving in Yorkshire, hand-dyed in Glasgow with natural dyes based on UK rocks, spices and flowers, and finally woven in London. The development of this technique is unique to the brand. In addition to Illusion Knits, the collection includes knitwear, body-hugging items, lycra designs and reflective pieces designed in collaboration with ECCO EL3.

City Picnic by Aidan Zamiri

City Picnic, Paolina Russo’s FW23 campaign photographed by Aidan Zamiri, propels the brand’s protagonist into a new context: the big city and its bright lights. The brand’s escapist spirit and dreamy suburban nostalgia remain intact, but this season she rides on those of the city, leaping between tall telephone poles and skyscrapers. A colour palette with hints of fuchsia pink, reflective EL3 and floral prints evokes a romantic vision of the city.