You want to know what makes a great show? It is the designer’s ability to utilize their environment, to correlate with their collection. Jen Kao, whose work I am not so familiar with, stunned the fashion crowd with her artistic approach to her Spring/Summer collection. As the lights dimmed, I was reminded of a Japanese sunset along the horizon, setting the perfect mood. To describe her collection: A mix between the MoMa and your favorite couture store on 5th avenue. From “look at me now” headwear, to detailed prints, to wildly colored silk cocktail dress pieces, the show was definitely an eye pleaser.
The first piece, which I am sure had everyone on his or her toes, was a cocktail dress with mosaic features. The artistry of this particular piece was Kao’s decision to accompany the piece with both an over-eye headpiece that measured about one foot tall in length, and two purses that matched the color of the dress. In my recent days of show presentations, I have never seen this done, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. The collection highlights Kao’s objective to satisfy the “moving customer”, as their many pieces that flow freely with moveable fabrics such as silk and chiffon. You can definitely pinpoint where Kao includes her knowledge of modern artistry in the collection, as I noticed in the checkered biker-esque blouse with two peacocks of resembling color kissing in the chest area. Yeah, this collection belongs in the fashion section of the Whitney!
All in all Jen Kao’s collection seems geared towards the younger woman, who does not have a problem in pushing the edge in her wardrobe. If your Spring/Summer wardrobe needs a boost, Jen Kao is the woman for you. Hopefully she continues to push the envelope, and continues to integrate her knowledge of art into the fashion world.
Anthony Thomas is the Creative Director for WeBleedFlashion a men’s sartorial line aimed in motivating the African American youth of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn NY and future generations.
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