TWO CANADIAN BRANDS SHOWCASE THEIR WORK TO THE WORLD VIA NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
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Anne Sofie Madsen
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Anne Sofie Madsen
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Gretchen Jones
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Gretchen Jones
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Gretchen Jones
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Katungulu Mwendwa
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Katungulu Mwendwa
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Chloé Comme Parris
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Chloé Comme Parris
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Chloé Comme Parris
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Chloé Comme Parris
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Amanda Lew Kee
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Amanda Lew Kee
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Amanda Lew Kee
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COMEFORBREAKFAST
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COMEFORBREAKFAST
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COMEFORBREAKFAST
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COMEFORBREAKFAST
Story by Odessa Paloma Parker
Photos by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images
Any excuse to head to Manhattan is a good one, but when the reason is in the name of hometown pride, it makes the trip extra special.
GenArt presented Fresh Faces in Fashion 2012 with title sponsor Morrocanoil as part of New York Fashion Week, and along for the ride were two brands that many Canadians will recognize – Chloé Comme Parris and Amanda Lew Kee. They showed their Spring/Summer 2013 collections within a group of emerging designers from around the world. GenArt previously helped launch labels including Zac Posen, Rodarte, and Peter Som, which demonstrates the power of affiliation with this 16-year-old platform for the arts.
The first collection down the runway was by Copenhagen-based designer Anne Sofie Madsen, who informed the audience via video that her work for the season was inspired by an abandoned amusement park – the juxtaposition of sweet childhood memories and something more sinister was prevalent in her slashes of fringe, sinuous fabric work and off-kilter prints. Delicate cut-outs in the shape of spooky faces and skulls highlighted the theme well.
By contrast, Gretchen Jones‘ pieces were a refreshing assortment of colour, texture and pattern. Complemented by floral headpieces, the collection incorporated the neon trend into a softer palette of lavender and grey-blue, with flowing dresses and separates as the focus. The result was an array of summer-ready looks for work and play.
Katungulu Mwendwa, a designer from Kenya, had the opportunity to showcase her work to a much wider audience at the show, and it’s no doubt they were taken by her collection of wearable separates and modern silhouettes. Referencing the traditions of her culture and infusing them into contemporary, urban shapes show her promise and skill as an emerging designer to watch.
Drawing from the lean lines and menswear influence of their current F/W collection, Chloé Comme Parris made a strong impression at GenArt with their signature mix of edge and delicate detailing. Their woman is tough-but-tender, reflected in the swirl of a soft pastel palette, shorts and tailored jackets on hand at the show. Print and pattern made an appearance with micro and macro florals, and an Arts and Craft-like motif.
Amanda Lew Kee took a slight departure from her usual edgy chic to channel cycle culture (and a bit of the 90s) with her pieces, expertly combining elements of sportswear, pastels and a feminine floral print in one fell swoop.
The Italian-based brand, COMEFORBREAKFAST, made conceptual look easy with a variety of proportions layered to create quirky looks for both men and women. With a demure palette and graphic prints running throughout the variety of smart separates, the individual pieces were able to shine.
It’s rare to see such cohesive direction in design from those so early on in their career, but GenArt’s specialty seems to lie in finding the designers who will propel the industry for seasons to come.
