Chopova Lowena

Chopova Lowena 2022

Chopova Lowena 2022 skirt. In 2020, the London-based brand was among the eight winners of the LVMH Prize, the icons are the vigorously pleated, hardware-focused skirts made from upcycled Bulgarian aprons that had been a part of their brand since their 2017 Central Saint Martins graduate collection. These aprons are not produced en masse these days, Chopova Lowena is able to source vintage ones from a variety of vendors within Bulgaria and on eBay.

The intricately stitched aprons that serve as the skirt's foundation call back to Bulgarian life from the 19th century and onward, when they're believed to have been designed as a protective measure for women's reproductive organs. They feature symbols and other woven designs meant to ward off the evil eye, creating a full circle of protection of the female body.

Traditional Bulgarian aprons.

Antique Bulgarian traditional clothing from Kazanlak.