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Situationist Turns 10

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A decade after it started out in a small theatre in Tbilisi, Georgia, Situationist is hosting its first runway show for Fall-Winter 2026 in Paris at the Réfectoire des Cordeliers. Irakli Rusadze, creative director, and Louis Chasserot, head of brand, are determined to deliver retrospective and evolution in equal measure. The pair reinterpreted some of hallmarks of 10 years, reinterpreting the codes that have come to define the brand, like stark tailoring with boxy silhouettes, exaggerated shoulders and attenuated waistlines; or slick materiality through the use of natural leathers and deadstock fabric. Even as they expand their production from Georgia to Italy, incorporating leather goods, knitwear, and shirting, the brand is committed to representing its homeland, channeling the charm and confidence of Georgian customs, culture, architecture, and lifestyle.

In 10 years, Rusadze and Chasserot have sharpened their identity with a deeper understanding of their customers and how their desires have changed over time. They turn to Situationist for special, strong silhouettes with a pervasive confidence. Tuesday afternoon’s runway was teeming with future possibilities. There was elongated tailoring accentuating the contours of the body; a deft use of natural leather, moulded and draped in a similar fashion; and a primal instinct with a menagerie of animal prints such as leopard, pony, zebra tiger, with footwear and bags in crocodile and snake. Every other exit will be accompanied by the brand’s eyewear line, another innovation. As the pair prepare to depart Tbilisi for Paris, they are excited and motivated for the next chapter, recognizing the opportunity to showcase their work on a global platform. “It’s a huge responsibility because we’re the first Georgian brand to do so,” Rusadze shared on a video call.

What would you like us to know about the collection? 

Irakli Rusadze: First of all, it’s the 10-year anniversary of the brand, so we wanted to work around retrospective and the most iconic pieces, redoing them as new versions with new silhouettes.

Louis Chasserot: We started to build a wardrobe because we’re starting to expand the offering of clothing. We’re starting to work with Italian factories so we’re expanding to leather goods, knitwear, and shirting.

 

Were there any specific images or concepts that shaped the mood of the collection?

IR: It’s a Georgian brand, of course, so there’s Georgian culture and lifestyle, because even though it’s a small country, we have a deep and interesting culture. Many things come from our memories and the everyday, how people are dressing – even the older generation of Georgians have specific taste. 

LC: We looked back at what we’ve been doing over time, seeing what worked the most, and reworking the silhouette to make it feel like it’s us today. The brand and the way we build the collection has changed its aesthetic over time.

 

This is your first runway show in Paris. How does it feel?

LC: We could not dream of better timing – it’s a real coincidence. It’s exactly 10 years since Irakli started the brand. The runway has come at the perfect moment. There has been so much work in the lead-up to this moment. It’s recognition and a perfect platform for us to share who we are.

IR: The team is excited. It’s different from how we first worked. Everyone is super motivated because it’s a huge platform to present what we do, and also a responsibility because from Georgia, we’re the only brand to have shown on the calendar.

 

This interview has been lightly edited. 

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