HENRYTIMI / LOS ANGELES – 20 MAY – 2026
Step into Merle’s Closet for an insider’s view of the inner world of L.A. style.
Is she L.A.’s version of Rei Kawakuba? Aliona Kononova is an equally avant-garde designer with one United Nude clog– or seven toes – in the art world; her esoteric eye stretching to all kinds of collabs with major artists, choreographer Ryan Heffington, etc. Her recent – play? Fashion show? Produced by Mary Ta, founder/owner of Minotti and Mass Beverly furniture collections, I’d call it a “theatrical experience” or “fashion performance art.” Kononova christened it “The Weight of Politeness,” the presentation of Kononova’s architectural sculpted gowns – sculpted but still flowy – had a voiceover by actor Rufus Sewell, hair and body tossing choreography by Jasmine Alburquerque (reminiscent of Macbeth’s three witches) and a particularly churchlike atmosphere in a cavernous showroom on West Third Street. It even had a title: The Weight of Politeness, with the dancer models playing polite avators such as “The One Who Listens,” “The One Who Cannot Interrupt,” etc. – each one slowly modelling each of eleven floor grazing dresses, in either black or white – many with dramatic caped or rounded sleeves. (Cont.)
Kononova hails from Moldova, studied design in Milan, worked with Salvatore Ferragamo there, then launched her own brand in Milan. Aliona takes custom commissions at alionakononova@gmail.com
To my ethereal eye, they’re pieces that could be worn to the Oscars or a Malibu dinner party – so chic they need no accoutrements, so stark they overshadow any more flamboyant look in any room. Even with built in volume and drape, they’re sexier than any naked dress Bella Hadid prances around in. With far more imagination.