There’s something about New York that draws creative types to the city. From filmmakers and photographers to artists and fashion designers, they all flock to the Big Apple.
So it’s not unexpected that a number of Asian fashion designers have also set up shop in New York City. Regardless of whether they are American by birth, Alexander Wang, Thakoon Panichgul, Derek Lam, Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu have all adopted NYC as their home.
Every fashion week, this strong contingent flies the Asian flag high on the runways in the Big Apple and this Spring Summer 2015 is no different. I have selected some of our favourite looks – what I hope to be wearing next season! – from our favourite Asian designers. Are they your picks too?
Looks from the Derek Lam Spring Summer 2015 show. Credit: Showbit
Derek Lam – Update on American sportswear
Forget the purple and turquoise suede dresses and skirts that dominated the runway, the pants stole the show for me. The low-slung trousers with a slight flare are just about the perfect pants, with the toe cap of a pair of heels peeking out.
Looks from the Jason Wu Spring Summer 2015 show. Credit: Showbit
Jason Wu – American chic
While Jason Wu also chose to “embrace the roots of American sportswear” for his Spring Summer 2015 collection, the result was poles apart from Lam’s show. Wu does feminine very well. Whether flowy or structured, shirtdresses are ladylike and sexy when given the Wu treatment.
Looks from the Lie Sang Bong Spring Summer 2015 show. Credit: Showbit
Lie Sang Bong – Butterfly effect
The Korean designer Lie Sang Bong paid tribute to the children who perished in the tragic ferry sinking off South Korea in 2014 with a collection that started off mainly with whites and blacks before blooming into full colour. Butterflies – the symbol of those who had passed on – worn as a belt, embroidered on a snow white coat and emblazoned on a dress – were a reminder of those who were lost.
Looks from the Peter Som Spring Summer 2015 show. Credit: Showbit
Peter Som – Pop art
Again, Americana was the shared theme of Peter Som’s Spring Summer 2015 collection. But it was the other theme of pop art that brought to life all-American classics like a sleek tank dress done up in super-sized stripes. Som also introduced a fresh new style – wearing an apron-like wrap layered around the hips over a dress.
Looks from the Prabal Gurung Spring Summer 2015 show. Credit: Showbit
Prabal Gurung – Fancy flouncy
Although drawing inspiration once more by his native home Nepal, Prabal Gurung experimented with plenty of ruffles and even feather details for Spring Summer 2015; a stark departure from the sleek aesthetic we are used to. What excited me was how racer back crop tops were worn under sheer tops and with dramatic flowy long skirts.