Jen Kao Fall 2011 Review
Photos: Imaxtree
Looks from the Jen Kao Fall 2011 collection
SHOW: Jen Kao
THEME: Rituals of reinvention
HAIR: Franco Gobbi for Cutler
MAKEUP: Polly Osmond and the M.A.C. Pro Team
NAILS: CND
ACCESSORIES: Purple satin ankle wedges, statement gold neck pieces
FRONT ROW: Becka Diamond, Michelle Harper, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Bill Cunningham
OVERALL TAKEAWAY: A night at the Tunnel, circa 1998
With the color palette of an acid rainbow, Jen Kao’s collection took you on a trip back in time. The destination? The late ’90s, but not the grunge era. This is the rave/dance moment, when bold, neon hues and vinyl pants were de rigueur for nightlife wear.
Her Fall 2011 collection called on rituals of reinvention, a reminder that each end generates a new beginning. Kao incorporated signature Technicolor prints into body-con silhouettes that consisted of satin bustiers and fitted skirts covered in fringe. Peacock furs would occasionally occur on top of rich silks, jerseys, metallics, fancy tweeds, and leathers.
The accessories were the big news here: Jewelry and shoes were by the designer (normally, the jewels are by fashion darling Eddie Borgo). The shoes were mostly sky-high purple platform mini-boots in which the models gracefully maneuvered.
The collection overall was a multicolor stroll back to the halcyon days of New York club land, but it also paid homage to some of the great masters of design. Hints of McQueen, Rodarte, Mugler, and Matthew Williamson peeked out from the rich patterns and cuts. In all this reinvention, we couldn’t help but miss Jen Kao.
SEE THE FALL 2011 RUNWAY COLLECTIONS
