Son Jung Wan’s spring 2012 collection was inspired by the Isle of Capri and the rich, vivid hues of the blue grotto. The effortless style that so many Italians seem to posses also served as a blueprint for the silhouettes and styling
throughout the presentation.
Wan seems to have the innate ability to express the duality present in all women. Sexy yet ladylike, demure yet self-assured, her designs illustrate the strengths, potential and diversity that comprise a life. She’s created a wearable,realistic collection that speaks to the reality of the wearers “day-to-day” with just a hint of glamour thrown in for good measure.
The quietly confident and luxurious collection consisted of expertly executed separates, each piece crafted from the most sumptuous and tactile of textiles. The runway delivered high-waisted pants and shorts, slinky tanks,sleek dresses and flirty skirts in a tightly controlled range of fabrics and colors; taupe linen and cream leather to navy silk and charcoal cotton. The addition of snakeskin, sequins and metal panel details provided an element of modernity and sophistication to several key pieces; conversely, the same details were ultimately the reason I found a handful of the collection to be unsuccessful. The stiff metallics and rigid python appliqués, while intended to highlight, had a tendency to hamper the fluidity of several of the more delicate silk and linen garments. Minor missteps aside, spring 2012 from Son Jung Wan was comprehensive, stylish and sellable.
Chic and urbane, Wan’s sophomore offering in Lincoln Center may have just earned her a spot and the cool kids table.
