"Give Face" BERNARD CHANDRAN FW16/17 Paris Fashion Week

The Bernard Chandran womenswear collection for Autumn/Winter 2016 takes you on a deeper understanding of ‘Give Face’ – design inspirations and creative reinterpretations that are beyond the mythical creatures of dragon, phoenix and gold, but one that expounds the purified attitude of ‘俾面’ (Respect). ‘Give Face’ is an expression in the Chinese culture, where one would respect the other person, especially those who are older, even though he/she may agree or disagree with the person’s opinion.

Drawing on a mixed oriental cultural heritage, perhaps no other designer could avidly interpret the cultures of the Far East than one who is born and practicing it.  As Chandran is best known for his skill and craftsmanship in revolutionizing the luxury traditional designs that are befitting for the Royals, he has cleverly arbitrated the oriental aesthetics with modern interventions fit for prêt-couture.

Whether Chinese Opera references or Chinois sunflower motifs, royal jade embellishments and brocade refinements, ‘俾面’ in cheeky prints or dramatic 70s reveries, they’ve all made their way into Chandran’s men’s and women’s collections. We can see the diversity of the different eras and the quirky mix of styles blended with ‘the now, the former and the future’ in one unified theme. 

A modern sequence of rich oriental colors - emerald green, gold purple, maroon, black, blue & red clicked poetically with luxurious textures – brocade, silk lamè, organza and fur to depict a sense of luxury and richness that accompanies with the wintery moods. 

The outlines - extra wing cuffs, boxed-pleats, Chinese bustier corset, Oriental opera sleeves, batwing sleeves and boot cut overlap trousers are groomed into a luxury vision of mind-blowing modern elegance.

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Tadashi Shoji Fall 2016

It was an edgier, sexier season for Tadashi Shoji. Tadashi embraced tribal motifs and tattoos, wet hair and smoldering eyes. Designers often revamp their aesthetic to stay relevant and attract younger clients. Well-played Tadashi. There are some rock-star looks in this collection. Tadashi tastefully gave us skin, revealed though sheer fabrics, and also gave us leg via show-stopping thigh-high slits. There were short body-con dresses and beautiful flowy long ones in chiffon with just the right amount of sequin and pattern. 

Tadashi Shoji's stunning Fall 2016 RTW was shown at the Arc at Skylight Moynihan Station and featured jewelry created in collaboration with Sequin, a NYC-based design studio. Sequin designed the choker and arm chains shown throughout the collection. Yet another way Tadashi kept "it" fresh this season.

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