Situationist

Irakli Rusadze founded Situationist in Tbilisi in 2015, quickly becoming the leading voice of the Georgian New Wave. The brand is defined by its rigorous, architectural tailoring and a deep engagement with the post-Soviet landscape, producing every piece in its local atelier to support the regional craft economy. By merging the techniques of traditional Georgian tailors with a subversive, gender-fluid perspective, the house offers an authentic, high-impact alternative to Western luxury norms.

Based in Georgia but presenting on the global fashion calendar, the label offers a refined vision of dress that prioritises artisanal skill and material integrity. The label works across tailoring. The brand achieved international recognition for its sharp, architectural silhouettes and its commitment to local manufacturing, using the runway to address themes of social and political resistance. The brand has remained visible within the fashion calendar and related retail networks. Its development has been shaped by recurring codes in cut, material or proportion.

The garment functions as a form of social armour, with sharp shoulders, heavy leathers, and industrial fabrics providing a sense of protective resilience. Design decisions are led by the discipline of the Georgian tailor, where precise cutting and structured leather are used to create pieces that convey a sense of strength and authority. This approach sees the garment as a site for re-evaluating historical archetypes, advocating for a version of identity that is both resilient and intellectually grounded.

Materiality is treated with a focus on durability and tactile weight, prioritising the use of high-quality leathers and locally sourced textiles. The philosophy promotes a sense of agency and presence, viewing the act of dressing as a celebration of collective history and individual resistance. By centring the manual skills of the Tbilisi atelier within a global context, the house ensures that the act of making remains a vital and culturally significant practice, resulting in a wardrobe that is both technically advanced and emotionally resonant.