Soft Geometry
Photo Credit: Zach Hyman, BFA
Richard Chai’s Spring/Summer 2014 Collection cuts corners to revolve around soft geometry. The American designer of Korean descent drew inspiration from geometric forms, manipulating silhouettes and fabric to make them feel comfy and fluid. Unanticipated mixtures of opposing elements were carefully interpreted to accentuate a sense of interchange and juxtaposition, while still preserving Chai’s trademark refined aesthetic.
Photo Credit: Zach Hyman, BFA
As the electronic beats of IS TROPICAL’s ‘Dancing Anymore’, filled the tent at Lincoln Center, modern-day beauties drifted down the runway. Their hair was cleanly parted in the middle and slicked back, with minimal and natural makeup – the elegantly clean presentation meant Chai’s designs were allowed to truly shine.
Bright bursts of poppy orange and floral patterns were standouts in the collection. Other colors included cognac brown, aqua, black shadow, and summer whites.
Photo Credit: Zach Hyman, BFA
During his collection, Chai demonstrated his skillful mastering of layering. Case and point: the designer placed asymmetrical striped shirtdresses over silk pleated skirts, and leather jackets to top off the look. Considering the lines of the silhouettes and the literal stripes on the clothing, Chai played a visually entertaining game and delivered a fresh outlook on simplicity.
The runway show also showcased select leather jackets from the new Andrew Marc x Richard Chai collaboration.
Photo Credit: Zach Hyman, BFA
Photo Credit: Zach Hyman, BFA
“The collection was spectacular,” exclaimed Liza Diamond, head of the dress division at Andrew Marc. “My favorite part was the innovativeness of mixing the leather with the soft fabrics, the pants and dresses together, and the shorts and jackets for the men.”
The song ‘Million Dollar Bills’ by Lorde set the next phase of the collection. Long silk dresses flowed with every model’s step, beautifully contrasting the rigid graphic lines printed on them. Black and white stripes were cut as textiles and pasted in a papier-mâché fashion, highlighting the shoulders and torso.
Photo Credit: Zach Hyman, BFA
Continuing with the geometric arrangement of textiles, Chai introduced shades of mint and aqua, along with prints evocative of Claude Monet’s lily pads. At every corner there was an exciting new hue or an unexpectedly pleasing styling choice. We can’t wait for Chai to surprise us once more.
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Photo Credit: Zach Hyman, BFA
Words / Sheri Chiu
Follow her on twitter @schiuonthis
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