n.: SHLIOKAVICA, a bulgarian term coined in the ’90s referring to the Latinization of the Cyrillic alphabet during early PC days; initially criticized by the older generation it swiftly became a symbol of rebellion embraced by the new generation, evolving into a linguistic aesthetic and cultural hallmark of that transformative era.
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The term SHLIOKAVICA is a nod to the Latinization of the Cyrillic alphabet, a linguistic evolution rooted in the tech boom of the ’90s. A time when PCs and phones couldn’t quite wrap their digital heads around Cyrillic characters. So, the rebels of the online realm, improvised. The Latin alphabet and numbers became artistic tools, and a linguistic aesthetic was born out of necessity.
A quick linguistic snapshot: Bulgarian is a phonetic language, reading exactly as it’s written. The alphabet boasts 31 letters, a touch more than the Latin one. Much like our process, all the people who used Cyrillic had to dance around the limitations, embracing creativity in their expression.
However, SHLIOKAVICA wasn’t warmly welcomed by everyone. Back then, tech was the boogeyman, and if you were navigating the digital waves, you were probably considered a bit of a punk (or a nerd). This phenomenon signifies the fusion of Eastern and Western influences post the dismantlement of the Eastern Bloc, embodying the DIY ethos of the times and the enduring Bulgarian spirit.
Lab Statement
SHLIOKAVICA stands as a haven for creativity, a testament to the DIY and anti-establishment ethos. We initiated this space by unapologetically discarding rulebooks, and in the act of making, we find our strength, our calling, and our unique language.
Our clothes and creations are born from intuition, crafted from whatever materials we scavenge from the streets or our surroundings. The lab isn’t confined to the realm of fashion; it serves as a creative sanctuary. Within these walls, individuals are encouraged to unleash their expressive spirits without the constraints of convention. While we may spark the flame, the core of SHLIOKAVICA reaches far beyond our own presence.
We proudly embrace the legacy of the spirits they couldn’t burn. We are the flames of social, political, and spiritual revolution.
dark silicone waves, tales of the concrete heath
Dark Silicon Waves, Tales of the Concrete Heath is an ode to those spirits that live within the remains of industrial London warehouses, restored to life by the pulsating beats of techno raves and creative anarchists. Their concrete walls echo with the whispers of untold stories. This is where our journey begins, amidst the raw and chaotic essence of this urban jungle.
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In juxtaposition, the Heath represents a realm of witches and ancient mysticism entwined with the modernity of London. It’s a place where the urban jungle meets the arcane, and the dichotomy creates a captivating tapestry of narrative threads. Here, amidst the whispers of the wind and the shadows of witches, the tale unfolds.
The project unravels as an experimental narrative, revealing the mysterious sabbath that transpires in the unconventional embrace of the Heath. Here, sensitive and dangerous creatures converge, bound by the powerful connection of pain, misfit, and gloriousness.
Tales of the Concrete Heath draws its strength from the collision of these seemingly disparate elements. The artifacts, carefully hoarded from London warehouses, tell their own stories. Raw denim garments, dark silicone jewelry, and ritualistic sculptures become the vessels of this experimental storytelling, each piece carrying the weight of the urban jungle and the enchantment of witchcraft.
Through Dark Silicon Waves, Tales of Concrete Heath we invite you to navigate this story where the boundaries between the ordinary and the mystical are blurred, forging a narrative that resonates with the pulse of London’s alternative community and inviting you to embrace your inner voice.
About
SHLIOKAVICA is a collaborative design lab founded in the North London Warehouses. Employing a tradition of hoarding and upcycling techniques, we craft experimental artifacts through cross-disciplinary practices to convey spiritual and intimate storytelling.
Marie Schaller, a French-born fashion designer, specializes in socially impactful fashion and empowerment through clothing. Exploring the intersection between ethics, politics, and technology in the industry, she intertwines activism with garment design to reshape cultural consumption.
In October 2022, inspired by London’s alternative communities, she launched No One Collection, featuring the debut collection London Breakthrough Actively engaging with these communities, her work has been showcased at events like Riposte and Athera World, and in initiatives such as Seeds of Love.
As part of her journey as a visual artist, Marie co-created SHLIOKAVICA, a space dedicated to experimentation. Simultaneously, she operates as a full-time freelancer, specializing in fashion and costume design.
vincente: co-creator of SHLIOKAVICA and multidisciplinary visual artist, using up-cycling, ai, and linguistics to craft innovative narratives that defy conventional boundaries; they draw inspiration from their spiritual upbringing and turbulent life in the Balkans and the West after the fall of the Iron Curtain, exploring the complex relationship between topos, cultural and ethnic heritage, and society.
United by a common dream, Marie and vincente formed an art collective to experiment and challenge London’s art scene mainstream elitism. Rooted in a sisterhood, their space thrives on mutual growth and support, blending their unique strengths and vulnerabilities. Cultivating a distinctive and unfiltered environment where they can coexist with their doubts and vulnerabilities, alongside their individual obsessions and cultural influences worn proudly as a badge of honor.
