March 2009 Archives

Lou Lou Magazine

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Style By Fire

Read this entry on Clothes Line Finds.

The Cho Sungkyong commenced its show with endearing charm: a child, holding balloons of a vast array of colors, walking down the aisle in her own little runway show. Indeed, the designer had declared her vision of the self as a "cheerful little girl immersed in retro emotions." But the child herself was the brilliant reminder to all of the dreams, hopes and limitless imagination of childhood and all its wonders.

Here is a shot that captures youthful, undaunted spirit:

The dichotomy in the beginning and ending of love was the main theme of hana.h, Heo Hana's self-named womenswear brand. Throughout the collection, Heo highlighted the sincere, the obscurity, and the transcience of love through whimsical fabrics like chiffon and linen. The blinding white of the entire collection, and simple and voluminous silhouettes depicted the unfettered purity of a vulnerable love affair - while also seeming to denote the ease with which even love so passionate can be soon erased and begun anew with another.

Jaison Couture certainly overdid itself in "maximalist" fashion. While other designers opted for neutrals and darker shades, Jung Heesuk's elegant ensembles were awash with vibrant colors from beginning to end. Key fabrics included muslin, which accented dramatic lines in gowns, and wool silk, which highlighted the luxury of the traditional suit. Together with exuberant accessories, these powerful, voluptuous pieces certainly captured the beauty and romanticism of the natural feminine form.

Everyone prepares in their own way for a fantastic show, from the professionally pampered:

...and the effortlessly fabulous:

...to the self-styled:

...including yours truly and her 360fashion reporting partner!:

Meanwhile, some remained more complacent than others...:

Like a child that is delighting in the hidden treasures of her grandmother's attic, Hong Eunju presented a fresh take on old charms and basics. Enzu was wrought with secondhand-seeming pieces, with fabrics like wool and jersey made to look worn through natural washing, and pinched stockings. But lusterless pieces were given new shine with sparkly silver canvas sneakers and unexpected trinkets including safety pin chains and crystal cutlery necklaces. Majestic capes regaled many an ensemble, although these as well were brought down to earth with basic fabrics like cotton, or trimmings such as lace and ribbons that looked as if recycled. This taking the seemingly unremarkable to new heights of imagination emphasized that even the antique can be reinvented into something new and even glamorous.

With white as a canvas and free, original form in all her ensembles, Jung Heejung preserved nature throughout her show. The presentation opened boldly with four models each donning a white cotton short-sleeve top starkly accented by a bright red accessory - whether it be a sleeve, a head scarf or a simple red rose. This loud accenting with red and black amid subdued white and navy continued throughout the rest of show. Indeed, while innocence and purity seemed to dominate the collection, flashes of skin through exposed backs and sheer fabrics hinted at and even reassured viewers of the untamed wild always imminent in the outdoors - like hidden seeds waiting to erupt in full bloom among the seemingly lifeless calm.