Ivana for Mika 2007 by Celine

Few years ago, while in Tokyo, designer Ivana Omazic met a young Japanese photographer by the name of Mika Ninagawa. The two ladies enjoyed a mutual yet friendly friendship while at the same time enjoyed established yet successful career in their respected field.

As Ivana blossoms in the world of fashion with her stint as the current creative director for the French fashion house that was founded by Celine Vipiana decades ago, Mika is one of Japan's most popular and creative photographers of today.

Blending the beauty of brightly colored flowers, swimming goldfishes in imaginary landscapes graced with quirky and imaginative titles such as liquid dreams, pink rose suit, acid bloom, and like a peach to name a few, the Graphic Design graduate of Tama University has created a magical world that's beyond our imagination.

In March 2007, Ivana invited Mika to Celine's Fall/Winter 2007-08 collection showcase in Paris during the Paris Fashion Week and worked together for a series of artistic project known as Ivana for Mika. The collection showcases the imaginative world created by Mika, immortalized in a collection of ready-to-wear and accessories which are exclusive to Celine.

For this project, Mika drew her inspiration from the vivacity of the spectacular fashion show backstage and expresses it through the click of her lenses. The photographer also did a series of photographs for Ivana, entitled Mika for Ivana.

"From the moment I met Ivana when she came to my exhibit unexpectedly in 2005, I felt I could share with her something beyond words," says Mika. "I am very excited and pleased to have collaborated with Ivana and am sincerely grateful for this fantastic encounter."

The Ivana for Mika collection comprises of three ready-to-wear that are ideal for jet-setters who are seeking for uniqueness and boundless creativity in styling. They are dress, bustier dress and skirt in graphical "Mika" print, "Mika sleeper" sleeper with velvet maroon pouch, scarf and tie scarf in "Mika" print, as well as the "Ivana for Mika" bag with "Ivana for Mika" message tag inside.

Apart from the items mentioned, which will be available at all Celine stores, there are also a few items made exclusively for Isetan Japan such as room shoes in Springbok fur, Springbok fur pouch, and a passport holder.

Ivana for Mika and the rest of Celine Fall/Winter 2007-08 collection is available now at Celine boutiques and store-in-stores worldwide.

*Photos courtesy of Celine.

Celine - UG3, Adorn Floor, Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Ground Floor, Isetan KLCC, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50800 Kuala Lumpur.