From Seoul to New York: Lie Sang Bong FW15-16 debuts at NYFW
updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:21
Feminine and bold – the father of Korean fashion shows his latest collection in New York on February 18 ahead of Seoul Fashion Week. Here’s what we thought of it.
While Seoul Fashion Week is merely a month away, we didn’t have to wait that long to discover the latest collection from South Korea’s master designer Lie Sang Bong. As of Fall 2014 – and after showing for 12 years at Paris Fashion Week – the designer has chosen New York Fashion Week to be the unveiling place for his intricate and awe-inducing creations which have never failed to impress the fashion industry in Korea and beyond.
Known for single-handily bringing Korean fashion to the spotlight since the debut of his ready-to-wear line in 1993, Lie Sang Bong knows how to make an entrance while still keeping in mind that his creations are made to be worn by everyday women. Specifically, women who have an interest in and understanding of what makes good fashion, and lead busy lives hence are looking for something to stand out yet still be appropriate for their day to day functions: in other words, modern luxury.
His latest creations demonstrated just that. Architectural and filled with beautifully-constructed details – the Fall/Winter 2015-16 collection whose unveiling coincided with the designer’s opening of his first flagship store in the Big Apple last month, was an epitome of elegance with a dash of quirk.
What stands out the most this time round is the perfect tailoring which takes on the current 70’s and menswear-inspired trends but remains feminine while bold at the same time. Case in point are delicate lace wide-leg cropped pant and midi skirts matched with thick oversized leather and wool jackets or coats. The choice of footwear resonated that idea as well and we’re pretty sure that thigh-high boots and classic pointy pumps worn with plain socks, finishing just above the ankle, will be all the hype next season so much so that we’re starting to buy our pumps a half size bigger from now.
Other highlights from the collection are the abstract floral prints peeking out from various parts in a now-signature LIE SANGBONG style and a hint of embroidery in the finale pieces which at first, could be mistaken as prints.
Mixing prints, fur, leather, lace, embroidery and tartan in one collection probably sounds too eclectic at once but it is no surprise that the designer somehow makes it work and the key might be his ability to be restrained and his keen architectural eye. The classic colour combination of black, white and navy blue mixed with some red and burgundy also helped create coherence in the collection from beginning to end.
While some designers’ takes on this season’s trends have been a tad too minimalistic and literal, Lie Sang Bong breathes a fresh air into retro style and a sense of modernity which make the collection unmistakably a current one.
Whether in Seoul or New York, the pieces shown on the runway yesterday would definitely find a place in a chic working woman’s closet, one who follows the trends but wants that extra touch which would make her stand out from the crowd.
Rana Wehbe
Photos: Imaxtree
