FRESH DESIGNS BY YOUNG DESIGNERS A HIGHLIGHT OF N.Y. FASHION WEEK-
Words, Images Judith Ecochard/LYRAMAG.com
An art gallery, a hotel suite, and a far flung studio stood in as fashion venues for upcoming designers this past season.
In a small white wall art gallery in midtown Manhattan--- we previewed 15 looks-inspired by the ancient Japanese world of the Samurai… by the Hawaiian born, Parsons graduate Ivy Higa.
As an entrepreneur with her own line, the Ivy h label had smartly staged mannequins in sophisticated fabrics (textile knowledge honed at Donna Karan)--- including a unique print that had the collection name imprinted.
The warrior motif translated into wearable silhouettes, named accordingly…
---with funnel collars, kimono sleeves, draped coats, and lovely layer-able pieces---
…the slim fitting Katana jacket with a sash, our favorite.
NICE TOUCH: Impeccably made…and we got very close up.
BOTTOM LINE: “I design clothes that I would wear myself.” ---a sentiment shared by others.
INFO: IVY H
SUSAN WOO
A sun filled Bryant Park Hotel held an 18-look presentation of day and evening attire by New York native, Susan Woo---a young designer showing her third collection.
With an eye for modern, seasonless silhouettes in upscale fabrics, the cut out dresses, a forever in style, black chiffon sheer, as well as more colder clime worthy organic wool coats and skirts…
...had us thinking that a lot of retailers are going to start stocking this urbane collection.
At the time we were there…the place was crowded, and we can see why.
COLORS: We thought of the modern master Mondrian…as the basic color palette of red, black and white dominated…with dashes of grey, and olive.
MO: Like the efforts to use organic fabrics and vegetable tanned leathers…and what little embellishments there were judiciously used and added just the right amount of edge---studs, zippers etc.
INFO: SUSAN WOO
IRINA SHABAYEVA
Project Runway fabulous sixth season winner….
---we knew we were in for an extravagant RTW show…though curiously, (but cleverly), presented by Tupperware® as a supporter---- who produced some of the engineered materials used. Very innovative.
Inspired by the “…un-tethered journey of flight…” and the idea of freedom---there were a few concept pieces that are destined for archives somewhere…and probably had every bird and furry animal within a gazillion miles running for cover.
We focused on the hand-sewn creations that would be considered wearable fashion…and there was plenty.
Our favorite looks were the wonderful, and truly artistic hand painted and hand-beaded embellishments…on the yummy cashmere blazers, coats, and scarves.
Obviously a great talent at work here…
Love the cigarette skinny pants, cropped and thick wool cashmere jackets as cozy as blankets, chunky knits, and peaked shoulder blazers.
The sculpted silhouettes made fine use of the soft cashmeres, and silk-screened and hand painted wools. Stunning.
What we could do without…all the feathers and fur.
INFO: IRINA SHABAYEVA