For the sixth year in row designers from various Asian countries debut their collection at the iconic NYFW stage. Described as a global incubation project, “Asian Fashion Collection is passionate about widening their reach of the fashion industry by fostering the growth of the continents most promising up-and-coming designers.” This year the AFC runway consisted of seven brands representing Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. For these designers arriving at NYFW was not an easy task. In Tokyo October 14, 2018 eight designers competed for six seats at NYFW. These six finalists from Asia, and one student from Parsons School of design are lucky and talented enough to present their collections:
- Teung Yo Chan by Joe Chan-Taiwan
- Titat by Titat Kuantrakul-Thailand
- Cashiers by Ayoung Kim-Korea
- Fey Minoriyanagase by Minori Yanagase-Japan
- Hyundai Jung by Hyundai Kyeong Jung-Parsons
- Kenichi by Kenichi Ishida- Japan
- Kanon by Kanon Hayata- Japan
Each designers focus varied. Cahiers describes as “Bohemian Rhapsody”, provided a sweet ladylike feel to the runway, consisting of light fabrics, whimsical silhouettes and pastel tones. Designer Ayoung Kim represented her country of Korea with a beautiful collection. Hyun Jung, a luxury womenswear brand gave off a very NYC uniform feel with a Black on Black colorway. This line “pursues collaborations between hand-craft and draping”. This line caught my eye due to its practicality and wearability. A whimsical draped all black ensemble is my esthetic all winter. Designer Hyun Kyeong Jung was the Parsons school of design pick for Asian Fashion Collection. Designer, Joe Chan presented a combination of high fashion and street style. His collection was influenced by the recent Taiwanese election. “ He adopts the concept of propaganda to re-create unique prints.” Teung Yo Chan, his hi-end menswear line also incorporates elements such as election flags and vests.
Having a global world view is vitally important today, fashion should not be excluded. The impressively young talent, presented through Asian Fashion Collection proves this point. I hope the AFC will continue creating opportunities and fostering business relationships exclusive to the New York Fashion Week platform for years to come.
Blogged by ——— Deon Marie
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