Something tells me that the tight spandex, capes, and bright colors that Wonder Woman and Supergirl don while protecting the people and the planet might be a bit outdated. Come on gals; use your superhuman strengths to fly out of the 80s and into the most trendsetting fashions of the day. If those two babes are looking to save the world in style, they should look no further than Aiste Baranauskiene. Aiste's cinematically appealing designs look as if they stepped straight off the big screen after kicking butt in the latest Japanimation or sci-fi flick and fallen into an Earthly Garden of Edun. The Lithuanian designer's avant-garde creations are multi-seasonal, most often paired with warm wools and breathable linens and flaxes. The fusion of futuristic form and traditional Lithuanian technique take a front row seat for Baltic's most innovative face in fashion.

I had the good fortune of coming across Aiste Baranauskiene's designs this October at the Ethical Fashion Show in Paris, France. Aiste does stand-out designs that are unlike any I have seen before. The overall look is deconstructed and then reconstructed. Form and shape are highly integral to her design philosophy. Slightly over-exaggerated forms give her clothes a superheroesque quality. To wear Aiste's designs are to make an understated Power Statement. They offer up a commanding presence, with a deep respect for artful design technique. "A garment must be slightly shocking and provocative, yet always maintaining the atmosphere of noble elegance," remarks Aiste.

This technique to which I refer to is one in which Aiste has exclusively developed, giving her label its uniquely successful look. At first glance, it is hard to imagine that she makes linen, flax, and wool, all traditional Lithuanian fabrics, look so incredibly futuristic. The designs look as if they were plucked from the glaciated Baltic terrain: topographic textures are teased in a way to give depth and shape while the colors are subtle and natural. Shirts, dresses, pants, and jackets are each unique with every piece finished slightly differently.

The fibers that she chooses to work with are simply more than a fashion statement. Aiste's cure for the World's Kryptonite is the use of natural fibers and techniques that are safe to humans and the planet. The combination of her powerful design and planet-focused approach has begun grabbing attention from a number of wearers across Canada, the US, the UK, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Russia, and the Nordic countries.

Move over Wonder Woman and start packing up those star-print panties: Aiste is here to save the day with some socially-induced style.

"A garment must be slightly shocking and provocative, yet always maintaining the atmosphere of noble elegance."

Hidden Treasures: Move over Dockers, these will make your wrinkle-free versions put their tail between their legs...

www.aiste.info