I have been a fan of Minan Wong’s work from the moment I saw her beautiful collection of elegantly sexy, classic yet modern pieces from her FW16 collection. So you can imagine my excitement when I knew I had the opportunity to not only attend Minan Wong’s show at NYFW but also have the chance to meet Wong in person and get a sneak peak of her collection ahead of the show. We meet in an incredibly unique store where she is stocked called Flying Solo a wonderful store that houses the collection of over 30 some independent designers and created a community support system for each of them that is such a rarity to find in this often cut throat industry. (more about this store coming soon on Harper’s Bazaar and Eurasian Vogue)
As I walked into Flying Solo located on New York’s fashionable Mulberry Street, I was greeted by Wong herself and I have to say, I was bowled over by her warm personality. Her passion is infectious, and her excitement and the anticipation for her upcoming runway show was bubbling over.
Wong ran me through her previous FW16 collection before taking me to the back of the store to show me her SS17 collection. The evolution of the collection was instantly apparent. Her previous collection was more abstract and geometric, however the inspiration for this collection was borrowed from nature. Think botanicals and ferns, all revolving around a romantic fun and easy vibe whilst showing her truly skilled hand with her intricate use of lace that runs throughout the collection.
Not only an incredible designer, Wong is also extremely conscious of the effect fashion is having on the environment and tells me of her process, "All products are made in the New York garment district, I want to be known for sustainable American high fashion. It’s also really important to me to support local companies.”
Roll on the following Monday, it was time for the Nolcha shows featuring Wong. Opening the show with holiday inspired dreamy music, the first model walked down the runway wearing shorts with a flowing silk train igniting visions of getaways to the south of France. Seen on the hanger was one thing, watching it waft down the runway was something else.
Made up of elegant dresses, and separates that effortlessly takes the Minan Wong woman from day to night, with easy to wear, transitional pieces. With the inclusion of a white lace jacket that could be paired with a dress, or even with a simple pair of jeans to create a day to evening look that could see you brunching with friends all the way to an evening out.
Wong's created a collection of stunning pieces that would look as appropriate walking the streets of New York as it would vacationing in Europe. With Wong's show she told a story of romance, and gave us a piece of timeless elevated fashion that was both fresh and classic. In a time of fast fashion, and a high paced lifestyle, with Wong's collection and show she transported me to a vacation in Paris, with my dream wardrobe in tow.
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