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Hans Christian Andersen.
The emperors new clothes

The tale of a naked emperor with illustrations by designer Tigran Avetisyan.

The story of the naked king originated in Spain, but only became famous once it had been dressed up in bright details by the king of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen. Andersen’s emperor was in love with fashion, which makes it fitting that the illustrations for this book were created by the fashion designer Tigran Avetisyan.

Photo: Sofia Akhmetova

“These must, indeed, be splendid clothes!” thought the King. “Had I such a suit, I might at once find out what men in my realms are unfit for their office, and also be able to distinguish the wise from the foolish! This stuff must be woven for me immediately.”

The Emperor’s New Clothes is the fourth book published in V–A–C Press’s fairy tale series. The project appeals to the tradition of Soviet illustration, when children’s books were designed by prominent artists, who played a critical role in the cultural development of their time.

Photo: Sofia Akhmetova

Tigran Avetisyan (b. 1988) is a Russian designer. A graduate of Central Saint Martins and the winner of an LVMH scholarship, Avetisyan trained at the Acne and Lanvin fashion houses. Today, Avetisyan works at the intersection of fashion and art, and uses a variety of materials and artistic mediums in his practice.

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