Dearest Kikka, Rest in Peace you beautiful person. ❤️ As Lena Dunham said in her wonderful tribute to Kikka: “No one who crossed her path will ever be the same”. I can vouch for this. In my case, our paths crossed over the course of a number of fittings two years ago, right around this time, leading up to the Fashion Awards. Kikka and Marco, her co-founder and life partner in 16Arlington were making my dress. I remember leaving that first studio visit and telling @janescheinmann - I think they will go far. The creativity was evident, in the colourful sketches that Kikka produced on the spot to the draping they both did together – an easy language between them that produced the signature style that has made 16Arlington a success. Minimalist Glamour – clean lines and a heavy dose of fabulous feathers. But talent is one thing, what lies behind matters as much, if not more. And Kikka’s personality and values came through in spades. Professional, hardworking, kind - nothing was too much trouble (we can dye that in the bath she said!), humble with an enthusiasm and an optimism that was contagious. We talked about their business, they told me proudly as they showed me around the atelier that they had a policy to pay their most junior staff more than the London minimum wage. Mature beyond her years, all punctuated by an easy laugh that made everyone gravitate around her. To witness their love and the complete respect they had for each other was a privilege. I checked in with them as Covid hit to see how they were coping. True to form, a few days later Kikka had sent a thank you note. Kikka and Marco have said that 16Arlington are clothes with stories to tell the morning after. @marco.capaldo Going forward, I know that I will wear your dresses and dance a little more, stay up a little later, laugh more easily and remember the beautiful person that was Kikka whose dream was to “design for a good time”. 🤍