The fashion world never seems to stop amazing me. Just when you think you've figured it out, something else happens and shakes you up and you're suddenly reminded there's no time for sleep.
In the past couple of months, the world has been overwhelmed with a state of political affairs that promises to rock the world. It not only threatens to divide our country but threatens to involve the whole world around the controversy. Call it prophecy or life... it still has everyone talking--good, bad and the ugly.
But these past couple of weeks for us in the fashion world (some may say we may be living in our world) have been from a different reality. Somehow we always misread the memo about exclusion, prejudice and lack of diversity.
Don't get me wrong. Trust me. The current state of affairs does affect us in the fashion industry. We just manage to throw a luxury brand on it, wrap a silk scarf around its neck or head, throw some shades on it... and continue on as we strut our way around those sorts of prejudices.
But every now and then, some bold divas and divos stand up and call us out on it and boom. Right there on the cover of Vogue or Harpers Bazaar lands you the change. It looks something like the words, "First African American," "First Latina," or "First Asian." These words emblazon the headlines and silence the lambs.
I promise you this much. Test the patience of some in the fashion industry and you will get shut down. Your business, your livelihood and sometimes even your career. And they will take back that Dior bag with them too.
As I explored the fashion scene this season, I took a good look at things and asked myself, "What makes this industry so special?" My personal answer is that we can take anything as long as you dress it up nicely and sip your tea slowly, with your pinky up like a first lady or a queen.
In other words, mind your manners and watch your tone and how you speak to me. You've been warned.
So as I take you down the road of fashion week thus far, you will see that I will try my best to travel the world and take an honest look at the views, opportunities and the ways that fashion has availed us who have the privilege of being a part of it, and for some of us being able to count on it as a surrogate parent, because for many, the fashion industry has been our saving grace and lifeline.
For those of you who just don't get it, ask some of the designers where they would be if it wasn't for the fashion industry. I dare not say it, but many of you can guess. For we observers and consumers, besides being helplessly drab in our clothing (some of us would rather go naked at the very thought of not having the fashion industry be what it is today) these designers and what they do mean more to us than just the clothing on our backs.
Let's take a look at the designers I'm talking about.
Our first stop in China's Harbin Fashion Week proved to be shockingly wonderful. I had the most wonderful experience there. A whopping 34 designers from various parts of the world including England, France, Russia, Italy, United States and Philippines to name a few all featured. The talent that graced the catwalk was nothing less than red carpet for Hollywood royals.
Below, Carlton Jones debuted his Spring Resort Collection in the East and received an award that is reflective of his commitment to his craft- The Most Marketable and Recognizable Brand for this season’s show. As an American designer just three years, it speaks volumes. While GianCarlo Mossi Borella, an accomplished designer, reminded the audience of the skill and elegance that the Italians posses since fashion began in my opinion. His well-tailored garments, gave sexy a new name for the modern, chic and fashionable woman that says nothing but means business from the moment she walks through the door.
The honorable Zang Zhifheng, Founder and Creative Director of Ne- Tiger’s stayed true to his culture, but adding a twist of modern European and American flare to his iconic legacy to make the most exquisite collection of red gowns and evening wear that is nothing short then perfection.
Photos by Dima Babushkin
Photos by Dima Babushkin
Photos by Dima Babushkin
Then, of course, there's New York Fashion Week, the mecca of fashion. And they did it again. The designers threw caution to the wind and united all nations through fashion. Maybe I have been sleeping or sleepwalking, but never before have I seen so many international designers than this year. Maybe it is because the very fabric of this nation seems to be unraveling for many. And because of that, the ideals of diversity are being the blame for what this wonderful country has provided for so many. For hope.
I have had the privilege of traveling to a great number of places and I have been received so warmly when identified as an American. And to say you are from New York is like saying you went to heaven and met God himself to many of the people I have the chance to meet. Their eyes light up and openly express to me that their dream is to visit American one day. Wow.
The fashion world this season has brought some exciting hopefuls and dreamers with unspeakable talent that only this industry can unite. In fashion, we celebrate so much. Maybe it's the Perrier water that we drink (sparkling please, with a twist of lime), maybe it's the new color of the season. But I tell you, the runways were full of color, both in fabric and people and we had much to celebrate, down to each detail.
Newcomer Lujin Zhang, made an impressive bold statement with her collection as a graduate of one of New York’s top fashion school Parsons, at Pier 59. The room was packed and she was well received and celebrated. From the well presented pieces to the diverse group of models- she is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Lujin’s FW17 collection is inspired by her homeland - Inner Mongolia, China focusing on deconstruction and the rearrangement of color patches to reflect the harmony of the changing environment.
Yuna Yang, our love child I will call her- her FW17 collection shows both looks with bold prints and dancing colors. Inspired by the stressful political environment in which we currently live, lead by women protesting in the streets of South Korea, the US Women’s March and elsewhere. With this runway show, Yuna Yang chose to celebrate women who make their social and political voices heard “the power of one person holding a candle.”
“Social and political movements have always expressed their inner light through fashion, whether suffragettes or hippies. YUNA YANG’s F/W17 collection pays homage to people who hold on to hope and belief in shadowed times. Yuna’s collection features both bright prints with dancing lights and darkly elegant pieces with measured shadows. She has 1970’s -inspired pants with modern flower prints. “
Last but not least is one of my favorite designers, Son Jung Wan-Korean designer with a passion for the American Culture and its funk. Son Jun Wan never stops amazing me with her effortless chic designs that make bold statements. This 80’s inspired collection stimulated all of your senses and brought you back to time when life was filled with joy, and funk. From the music to the clothing you felt the heat... and you wanted a piece of it..and get it you will owning a piece from her collection. Bravo everyone. We are united in the businesses of Fashion if nothing else.
