Stepping into the enchanting realm of a confectioner's paradise, one could hardly foresee that, right in front of out eyes, children with a concealed secret guided by a Romanian Mother would take center stage.

Pipenco's, designed by Lorena Pipenco, inaugural Ready-to-Wear collection beckoned us to tap into our playful inner child, unveiling a lineup that transformed the impractical into the practical. From cheese doodles tucked into leggings to a colossal fish and even a faux Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), Pipenco offered a mere glimpse into the reality of a child having to navigate the harsh post-communist Romanian landscape and the challenges of growing up as an immigrant family in London.

The entrance, adorned with iPads showcasing videos of their Romanian home and resonating with the tunes of Romanian heritage, set the stage. However, it was only when the show commenced that the eerie essence unfolded. Crafted by Composr (@composr_), the storybook-like music seamlessly blended with screeches and screams, forewarning the audience of the mischievous activities about to transpire.

In the backstage hustle of the show, I couldn't help but observe Lorena's mastery in weaving a pleathera of textures, seamlessly blending metals, knits, and even distressed denim to convey both the softness and hardness of her story. Striped button-ups and cardigans confidently graced the runway alongside Pipenco's fresh logo tees and dresses. Yet, as I often say, the true testament of a remarkable collection lies in its accessories, and Lorena unquestionably delivered accessories that harmonized flawlessly with the overall theme.

Her Illusion boots, previously showcased in black, now flaunted vibrant oranges, blues, pinks, and even cowprint, bending the minds of onlookers and prompting questions about where one's leg truly starts and ends. Alongside these statement shoes, the logo pins that adorned the BBL and doubled as necklaces stood as symbols of Pipenco's versatile ethos.

Prior to the show, my conversation with Ryuta Sayama (Key Hairstylist) and Laurel Charleston (Key MUA) unveiled the narrative woven into the hair and makeup. As all 15 models strutted down the runway, the hair gradually became more untamed, and the makeup began to unravel, featuring smudged makeup and undone brows. Sayama  summed it up with two words: "Bed Hair." This choice brilliantly conveyed the vision of mischievous children, running amok, playing tricks, and causing a ruckus—where their makeup and hair would naturally be disheveled, with added touches like mud smudge marks revealing their playful antics.

After the show, guests and models alike finally immersed themselves in the sweetness of the moment, getting up close and personal with the ready-to-wear pieces. Some couldn't resist indulging in treats displayed on the set (guilty as charged). But how could we resist? Lorena and the Pipenco team shared with us a innocent delight so infectious that we couldn't help but act on it, all while showcasing clothing that exuded the same spirit.

Standouts from the Collection: