The Legacy of Russian Constructivism for the Development of Contemporary Costume Design

Abstract

The article analyses the principles and characteristics of Russian Constructivism of the 1920s-30s, which emerged as a response to the social upheavals of its time and offers a relevant toolkit for addressing the challenges of contemporary design. Drawing on the analysis of architectural landmarks in Novosibirsk and fashion industry references from the 20th century, the study examines the potential of Constructivist methodology for developing an ethical, functional, and inclusive approach to modern everyday costume design. Particular attention is paid to the sequential transformation in the perception of the «Russian style» within Western costume design culture—from early stylizations within the «à la russe» paradigm to the meaningful adoption of Constructivist structural principles in later collections by leading designers—while also tracing the further evolution of these concepts in current design practice.