NOVA CHIU SS'13
filmed by JEJ for FACADES
Nova Chiu commenced her show with a strapless number, at which most women would have a go. Its colours were correct for spring and autumn and the piece could have easily been worn with a jacket, a pair of jeans, a long skirt, tights, etc... The second and third dresses that followed need no explanation. These were pieces made for women by a woman. No one could look bad in them. The trouser sets that followed were a let down. Too busy compared to the preceding pieces, yet well worth as separate pieces.
All of Nova Chiu's pieces were lovely. However, many of her beautiful tops would have stood up on their own without the busyness encumbered by their accompanying trousers. Inversely, those very trousers would have been ravishing, topped by the simplest of pullovers: sleeved, sleeveless, strapless, etc... in cashmere, cotton, the finest of leathers and suedes, to name a few of many. Nova Chiu's strongest ability: her clear understanding of a woman's comfort. If she ever made a men's line, I would make a bee line for it.
ASHISH SS'13filmed by JEJ fopr FACADES
If there was one show that spelled L-O-N-D-O-N in the collections, this was it. Aside from several long pieces that could have stood on their own, almost all of the other pieces would be most understood as separates to be worn with pieces out of your closet. With a bit of imagination and an understanding of composition, a number of Ashish'es pieces, added on to your staples, could well catapult an otherwise staid wardrobe into outfits that could add wit, courage and a healthy dose of fun. Upon closer inspection, one easily realises that Ashish'es shapes, colours, fabrication and, most importantly, silhouettes are easily workable. Not for everyone, for sure. But surely, there's something for those who'll give it a go.
JENA.THEO SS'13filmed by JEJ for FACADES
Bustier tops that didn't celebrate the female torso marked this collection. Were they the point? Exposed zippers that peppered the line detracted from the otherwise interesting prints. Surely, this was not a practice in deconstruction. A beautiful halter top, cut to an A-line was worn over printed trousers that was a hybrid of a jodhpur and slacks. I failed to see a silhouette, merged by separates, that gave each piece a chance to complement each other. There were no signs of the designers' love for denim. Perhaps, the collection was their take on how women should dress and I respect that. Moreover, the styling on the models (hair and make-up) were very far removed from the dresses on exhibit. The audience left in silence, perplexed.
LUETTON POSTLE SS'13filmed by JEJ for FACADES
Luetton Postle commenced their show with a pantsuit that set the tone for the rest of the collection: a melange of materials which was a miscellany of fabrics well put together in a pleasing composite. These were not scraps thrown together. Rather, they melded together to form a whole. The shifts that followed, also fused in a profusion of colours and fabrics were rendered 'acceptable' by a mastery of construction which belied the duo's youth. Their understanding of the kind of shape or silhouette that brings out the best in women is palpable.
Was the mix of fabrics, which was the bedrock of this collection, to my taste or liking? Not really (But I enjoyed it.). Were they done well? Yes. Did Luetton Postle construct the collection in a manner in which they fit well and moved and fell beautifully? Without a doubt. And with all those colours, did the garments actually have somewhere to go? The way the models happily sauntered, unmistakably so. A duo to watch out for, they are.
