Runway Review Excerpt: Jen Kao reminds us of the unique creativity that can be toyed with in ready to wear dressing, that light spirit inspires us all to dress well and want to stand out in the crowd.
The Spring 2012 collection was my first Jen Kao show, and not to be the last, as I was in awe by the creative beauty she brings to fashion and I found myself wanting several items from line. This showcased fashion as a wearable art form with intricate cut-outs and seaming, checkerboard knits, printed chiffon ruffles and oragami headpieces complimenting the looks, although certainly not meant to be worn.
>> MORE: FASHION SHOWS AND RUNWAY REVIEWS
The highly feminine silhouettes and a soft color palette made me embrace the line, and besides the garments themselves, the entire mood of the show – opening with a glowing orb and maintaining a sunrise mimicking background – put one at peace with fashion and curious about the boundaries that can be pushed.
>> SHOP: What’s store for Jen Kao at Shopbop
Some items of the line are more as an artistic showcase rather than something to be worn come next April, but there’s plenty of wearable pieces to choose from. An oversize tee creates a stripe pattern with top applied narrow ruffles and a contrast stitch finish, paired with a sweet psychedelic floral + checkboard print skirt makes for a romantic-indie Spring day outfit.
The checkerboard knit dresses are sexy but bohemian. For an evening party there’s an almost superhero-ish short printed dress with solid navy satin on the bust and as defined arm pieces that will turn heads at a party and keeps a playful mood.
One of my favorites was the last look, a long fluid charmuese skirt in checkerboard stripes over faded hombre color and placed sequins – LOVE this with the checkerboard tank or even with a basic tee to tone it down.
Jen Kao reminds us of the unique creativity that can be toyed with in ready to wear dressing, that light spirit inspires us all to dress well and want to stand out in the crowd. I am already looking forward to what we will be presented with in the Fall collection! — Alix Kivlin
Alix’s photo gallery of the Jen Kao spring 2012 fashion show:
[nggallery id=19]
Photos: Alix kivlin