Designer and entrepreneur Alan King (aka Alan Cheung) may only be 20 years old, but he’s already making waves in streetwear, with an amazing collection that includes denim, tops, outwear, and accessories.
His label, AKINGSNY, is creating looks for the modern ninja, with right-on avant garde styling and the kind of Old World / New World craftsmanship that makes the brand fall somewhere between ready couture and high-end streetwear.
King’s label, AKINGSNY, is creating looks for the modern ninja
Aguaclara Presents Clear Vision at Miami Swim Week
The FUNKSHION tent was buzzing with excitement on July 22, 2017 as Aguaclara debuted their exotically sophisticated 2018 collection at Miami Swim Week.
Creative Director Liliana Villalobos wanted to create a collection that would seduce and surprise the spirit. Drawing inspiration from her Amazon roots, Villalobos masterfully blended a retro style with deep blues, enigmatic reds, golden yellows and exotic greens to create a bold expression of color, sensuality and magical intensity.
Villalobos masterfully blended a retro style with deep blues, enigmatic reds, golden yellows and exotic greens
Aguaclara’s concept for their 2018 collection is a lifestyle of summer-wear for the whole day where bikinis, one-pieces and sophisticated beachgowns complement each other. These show-stopping pieces can be taken straight from the beach to hanging out on warm, summer nights, to parties by the pool and exclusive beach gatherings.
These show-stopping pieces can be taken straight from the beach to hanging out
Stunning Folk and Mercado Rose lines, created by Villalobos, feature elaborate and detailed brocades with applications of ribbons and colorful cloths, flowers and decorative embroidery.
Refinement comes in the form of Italian lace this season. Exquisite golden filigrees applied over lycra result in a delicate elegance which is unique in swimwear and beachwear.
Refinement comes in the form of Italian lace
Keeping with the Boho trend, Aguaclara’s use of fringe, pompoms and crossed lace, offers a very chic and glamorous gypsy look while providing supreme quality, gracious movement and quite sensuality.
Delicate 100% silks and fine-silk gauzes are the highlights of the beachgowns, giving an ethereal style to blouses, kimonos, jumpsuits, long skirts, mini dresses and long kaftans.
The exotically sophisticated Aguaclara 2018 collection — a bold expression of color, sensuality and magical intensity.
“I interpret Nature’s Spirit as a lifestyle for women where femininity is complemented by boldness, and sensuality with elegance.” – Liliana Villalobos, Creative Director
Torrid, the hottest fashion brand for women who wear sizes 10-30, debuted its first New York Fashion Week collection, heralding a bold new move towards increased diversity and inclusiveness in the fashion industry.
The show represented the Torrid woman –- bold, beautiful, and badass with looks featuring the juxtaposition between hard and soft.
the Torrid woman is bold, beautiful, and badass
Hard edge corsets and leather moto jackets topped flowy, feminine pieces for an unexpected contrast that encompasses the many sides of a woman.
The collection was also peppered with signature, hand-painted elements. NYX Professional Makeup’s neutral palette and Redken’s loose waves enhanced each girls’ natural features, along with shimmering gold nails courtesy of Essie.
“The collection is about art and expression—and the fusion of those two things. We also explored the idea that apparel should reflect the many sides of a woman—she’s never just one thing. The overall result is a juxtaposition between feminine and hard-edge artistry,” explained Torrid designers Liz Munoz and Kim Sippl.
The Torrid runway show also served as a showcase for the brand’s third annual Model Search competition, serving as the semi-final competitive round for the top 10 finalists.
The show also served as a showcase for the brand’s Model Search
Selected by a panel of judges comprised of influencers and celebrities including designer and Project Runway winner Ashley Nell Tipton, celebrity makeup artist Pricilla Ono, and supermodel Candice Huffine. These finalists hit the runway before going on to the third and final round of competition, where the winner is chosen by Torrid friends and fans.
These brave ladies who are seeking to earn the “Face of Torrid” title, along with a modeling contract and brand ambassador status are: Ashley Martin, Daquendra Elston, Haley Chapman, Haley Rudolph, Julia Rose Miller, Katrina Gumabao, Ruth Santiago, Sara Smith, Seairra Thompson and Sophia Ervin.
About Torrid Model Search
Torrid’s third annual Model Search officially kicked off in May 2017 with online submissions followed this summer by live casting events in four major U.S. markets including Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, and Atlanta. Torrid is also bringing their search to Canada for the first time, with a live casting in Toronto, Ontario.
Last year, more than 10,000 gorgeous and confident women applied through online submissions and live castings.
One lucky winner will receive the title, “Face of Torrid 2018,” complete with a Torrid modeling contract and wardrobe. The winner will host Torrid store openings and events as a brand ambassador, star in seasonal fashion campaigns, and appear on the brand’s social media channels throughout the year. Applications can be submitted at Torrid.com/modelsearch through August 13th.
About Torrid
Torrid designs and retails fashion apparel, lingerie, swimwear, accessories and footwear for stylish women sizes 10 to 30. Our exclusive collections inspire women to feel sexy, confident and downright irresistible. Torrid has over 500 stores across the U.S. and Canada, in addition to its online shopping destination, Torrid.com. Follow Torrid on Facebook (Facebook.com/Torrid), Instagram (@Torridfashion), Twitter (@Torridfashion), YouTube (YouTube.com/Torridfashion) or Pinterest (Pinterest.com/Torridfashion)
This New York Fashion Week, Luo’s collection embodies the skater girl turned whimsy woman, who spends her days riding down the eerie boulevards of suburban America.
Hidden behind a façade is a suppressed manic that eludes to the psychological dramas The Virgin Suicides and Requiem for a Dream. Yet, at night her frivolous charm is depicted amidst glamour and luxe. Her extravagance holds an air of mystery echoing Sophia Coppola’s portrayal of Marie Antoinette in her 2006 film.
The color palette holds some pearlescent hues contrasted with softer tones of yellow, blue and red.
Calvin Luo looked at porcelain artist Xie Dong when developing his textures. The sculptural element of the porcelain art is shown through a combination of different fabrics and their treatments creating “soft” and “hard” textures throughout the collection.
The sculptural element of porcelain art is shown through different fabrics
The Whitney Museum, designed by architect Renzo Piano, offers a minimalistic set for Luo’s collection. The glass space overlooking the Meatpacking District and the River, draws parallels with Dong’s work through the combination of “soft” and “hard” textures.
Claudia Li debuted its SS18 collection at New York Fashion Week at Skylight Clarkson Square, Gallery 3. Claudia Li’s Spring Summer 2018 collection explored the surrealism of childlike dreams.
Teetering between the real and unreal, the collection drew to memory the playfulness and whimsical nature of a child’s curiosity and their ability to boldly enter another world, despite the unknown lingering at the edges.
the collection drew to memory the whimsical nature of a child’s curiosity
The play on shapes this season focused on the organic. Light silks and jerseys were draped and brought together into hanging tulip and cocoon silhouettes, while cottons and denims provided a contrast with structured, boxy shapes. Oversized rain drop-shaped buttons accented tops and outerwear.
Referencing the colors of Akira Kurosawa’s film Dreams, vibrant yellows, pinks and reds are joined by darker undertones such as deep blues and evergreens, adding a tinge of mystery. Original floral prints of goatsbeard and tulip were layered into the collection.
Claudia Li also introduced the Kete bag — a leather flower basket shape featuring an inner drawstring silk pouch.
About Claudia Li
Claudia Li is a New York-based designer brand focusing on creativity and true craftsmanship. Combing an artistic design aesthetic and an emphasis on details, the brand has successfully gained industry attention in its brief history through its ever-evolving play on silhouettes, shapes, textures, and dimensions. Each season, Li paints a story to express emotions and abstract experiences into a tangible collection with personal sentiments that resonate with viewers.
As Creative Director and founder of the eponymous label, Li’s background in fine arts is visible throughout the brand. Prior to her professional career as a womenswear designer at J.W. Anderson, Li worked at Haus of Gaga under Brandon Maxwell. Li studied at Central Saint Martins before obtaining her MFA in fashion at Parsons School of Design.
Asia’s Premier Fashion Event CENTRESTAGE Concludes
On September 9, Fashion brand-promotion and launch platform CENTRESTAGE, held in Hong Kong, concluded four days of fashion showcases, featuring more than 210 fashion brands from 22 countries and regions.
Survey: Steady Sales Expected, e-Tailing Important Sales Channel
Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the four-day international fashion event showcased the latest brands and designer collections, attracting 8,500 buyers from 73 countries and regions, up 2.6 per cent over the previous year.
Buyers from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia increased significantly; and Asian buyers accounted for nearly 40 per cent of the total buyer attendance.
the international fashion event attracted 8,500 buyers from 73 countries and regions
“CENTRESTAGE is an ideal promotion and launch platform for Asian fashion brands and designers,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau. “We are gratified to see that in its sophomore edition, CENTRESTAGE continued to be a focus of attention for Asia’s fashion industry.”
CENTRESTAGE continues to be a focus of attention for Asia’s fashion industry
The event attracted many international fashion brands and buyers, particularly those keen on developing Asian markets. Many up-and-coming local designers also staged fashion shows during the event, to showcase Hong Kong’s creative designs to buyers and media from around the world.
As is the goal of many events organized during the show period, CENTRESTAGE also facilitated industry exchange, reaffirming Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s fashion capital.
The event attracted international fashion brands keen on developing Asian markets
Cautious optimism about sales, reluctance to pass rising costs to consumers
The HKTDC commissioned an independent research agency to conduct on-site surveys during CENTRESTAGE, interviewing more than 270 exhibitors and buyers to gauge their views on the outlook for the fashion industry and the coming year’s product trends. The survey found that the industry is cautiously optimistic about sales in the coming year. More than half of the respondents expect overall sales to remain steady, while about 40 per cent of respondents expect overall sales to grow.
Half of the respondents expect production costs or sourcing costs to stay unchanged. While nearly half of industry players surveyed expect sourcing price/production cost increases, more than 60 per cent of the respondents said they would not raise unit or retail prices – reflecting a general tendency in the industry to not transfer increased costs to customers.
In terms of markets, more than 80 per cent of respondents consider Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan to have the best growth prospects among traditional markets in the coming two years, while75 per cent of respondents see the Chinese mainland as the most promising among emerging markets. More than 40 per cent of respondents favor Eastern Europe and ASEAN markets.
more than 80 per cent of respondents consider Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan to have the best growth prospects
As for product trends in the coming year, 70 per cent of respondents expect womenswear to be the most popular, followed by casual wear and fashion jewelry. Limited-edition collections, brand licensing products and brand crossover promotion were identified as the most prevalent product development strategies in the coming year.
Over 70 per cent engaged in e-tailing, a significant jump from previous year
In terms of sales channels, more than 70 per cent of respondents said they are engaged in e-tailing, a significant increase from the previous year, which saw only over half of the respondents reporting they are involved in such business – an indication that the fashion industry is increasingly serious about e-commerce.
Over 70 per cent engaged in e-tailing
On average, online sales account for nearly 20 per cent of the total sales revenue. The top product types sold through e-tailing are womenswear, casual wear and menswear.
online sales account for nearly 20 per cent of the total sales revenue
Master Sharing Session deciphers the global appeal of Korean fashion
A number of master sharing sessions were held during CENTRESTAGE. At one of the sessions, Jean Colin, Vice President of Global Expansion, Fashion Division, Samsung C&T Corporation, which represents the Korean brand JUUN.J, analyzed the brand’s rise to global fashion prominence. Ms. Colin said Juun.J realized his dream of establishing his own brand by partnering with Samsung C&T. The company put together a team to help the brand find its market position, and supported Juun.J to join overseas Fashion Week events, she said.
Juun.J realized his dream of establishing his own brand by partnering with Samsung C&T
According to Ms. Colin, Juun.J started by designing clothes that he would wear himself without aiming to create genderless designs. But he soon responded to strong female demand for his designs by launching his own womenswear line.
Ms. Colin said that despite globalization, which exposes people to different types of information, those who wish to expand abroad must first understand their own cultural background and be firmly rooted in the local market. She pointed out that the color white that Juun.J favors in his designs is closely linked with his culture, where Koreans in the past could not afford colored fabric for clothing, and that white projected a sense of neutrality.
Ideal promotion and launch platform draws more exhibitors
First-time exhibitor Hausie Showroom is a newly established fashion company in Hong Kong that represents more than 20 international brands.“The company made its debut at CENTRESTAGE this year to showcase a variety of fashion collections, jewelry and bags for over 17 brands we exclusively distribute,” said founder Vivian Pang-Williams.
“The feedback has been positive. So far, we have found about 20 potential customers from different markets, including Galeries Lafayette from France, Aishti Group from Lebanon, and multi-brand stores from the Chinese mainland.”
The feedback has been positive
Hong Kong brand ASTRA Tailoring also launched a new menswear label at CENTRESTAGE. Design director Ayumi Kwan and partner Angus Tsui said the label’s zero-waste design and emphasis on sustainability attracted buyers from the Chinese mainland, Singapore, Thailand and Japan.
Of those enquiring about their products, about five to 10 were serious buyers, the company said, with some fabric suppliers also approaching them to explore cooperation.
In recent years, Macau has been keen to nurture its design talent. Macau designer Lalaismi Wai joined the Designers’ Collection Show at CENTRESTAGE to display the designs of her personal label, Pourquoi, to global buyers; and attracted enquires from Japanese buyers.
In recent years, Macau has been keen to nurture its design talent
Buyers favor Hong Kong’s new fashion talent
Nicholas Chong, CEO of fashion retail chain YFS, which operates 138 stores in Malaysia, said his company visited CENTRESTAGE for the first time. “I have already identified several Hong Kong designer brands for cooperation,” said Mr. Chong. “They include fashion jewelry by CIAO and casual wear for ladies by FromClothingOf. I expect to place orders worth about US $10,000 to US $30,000 each with them. The menswear collections by Hong Kong designer Angus Tsui are also appealing. We will explore collaboration to create a new menswear series for the HK $1,000-HK $4,000 retail price market.”
Leading French department store Galeries Lafayette was interested in various brands that exhibited at the show. “FFIXXED STUDIOS, highlighted at the CENTRESTAGE ELITES show, offers appealing designs – and we expect to place orders with them. JUUN. J is also good,” said buyer Catherine Coppin, who further cited other potential brands such as ZERO DESIGN and GARANCE from Korea, as well as KEVIN HO, HOUSE OF V and LOOM LOOP from Hong Kong. “I have also found various brands showcased at TUDOO Showroom from the Chinese mainland and HAUSIE Showroom from Hong Kong.”
Galeries Lafayette was interested in various brands
Henry Pang, buyer of HALO Designer Chic from theChinese mainland,found some suitable Hong Kong designs at CENTRESTAGE.“One of the brands is Methodology and they will show us their new 2018 spring/summer designs. The potential order is estimated at Rmb 10,000 to Rmb 30,000. Talks are also underway with another Hong Kong brand, Anveglosa, for new fur designs for fall/winter2018. I have also found some interesting overseas fashion brands from Chinese mainland exhibitor TUDOO Showroom,” said Mr. Pang.
Negris LeBrum launched its Le Magnolia collection during New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018 on Saturday Sept 9th. During the end of the show the brand designer, Travis Hamilton explained how the runway show came close to not happening. He went on to describe how Hurricane Harvey affected Texas as a whole and the brand directly.
Being based in Houston Texas, all sponsors had to pull their support. But in spite of Hurricane Harvey woes, Texas business owners came to the designer’s aid to make sure the show went on. Houston business owners such as the Rodney Hampton Foundation, Fresh Wind Group International, Anthem In Art Photography, The Foundation for Modern Music, Vanity By Sammi and Revalushion Management Agency.
Negris LeBrum Spring/Summer collection, “Le Magnolia” presented the looks, colors, and designs that has a retro classic feel. This collection is fused with plaids, solids and dark floral prints. The collection is inspired by the attitude and strength of the Negris woman. With this Spring Summer collection, Travis Hamilton wanted to reflect those traits of the modern woman.
The runway show took place at Caelum Gallery located in the heart of the Chelsea district. Negris LeBrum created a blues and jazz lounge atmosphere with vocals from B.B. King and others. The show was boutique styled whereas each model was in arms reach as they walked the runway. The Negris Lebrum brand stays very close to its Louisiana roots by hosting a Mardi Soiree after party.
The soiree served New Orleans Rum Punch flavors and Southern Style chicken and waffles.
LeBrum also gave each guest a pair of vintage sunglasses from its new streetwear brand called “Stuck Up Girl.” The designer Travis Hamilton stated that he is always excited when having the opportunity to share Louisiana lifestyle, culture and heritage during NYFW.
Negris LeBrum created a blues and jazz lounge atmosphere
Negris LeBrum was born from a love story between a beautiful French Creole woman named Negris, and a handsome man, Sam LeBrum. The Negris LeBrum story began in the 1940s, the love story represents culture and heritage. Their love triumphed over societal differences and sustained their love for one another.
Inspired by William Forsythe’s’ “Scattered Crowds,” a whimsical spacial installation that explores the “relationship, of distance, of humans and emptiness, of coalescence and decision,” this season’s collection explores the concept of space and the way it can be filled whilst still remaining empty. Though both Forsythe and Hoang both uncover the idea of emptiness through physical space, emptiness is also experienced psychologically through human emotions.
As usual, Hoang’s collection showed her surprisingly deft mastery of varied forms and styles.
Hoang’s collection showed her deft mastery of forms and styles
Lisa N. Hoang’s Spring and Summer 18 Collection explores the four stages that one experiences before they can fully achieve “Clarity”: birth, innocence, rebellion and desire. The emotions faced at each stage varies from person to person much like the experience one has depending on their decision to maneuver the balloons or not.
The colour palette for the earlier stages of Birth and Innocence mimic the themes of purity through lighter shades whereas the later stages of Rebellion and Desire are represented through darker shades that add an air of mystery and sultriness.
The choice of flowy, sheer fabrics such as lace and chiffon has not only allowed for movement but also for a layering effect which plays along with the varying opacity of Forsythe’s balloons creating depth in space. The combination of sheers and cut-outs foster a space that calls to be filled by one’s body.
Hoang is certainly a designer to keep your eye on.
For their Spring/Summer 2018 collection, shown at the New Design High School, AREA designers Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk were inspired by the vibrance and energy of the Pompidou’s Kollektsia!, an exhibition of Russian contemporary art.
This was a starting point for the collection’s bold colors and abstracted prints, influenced by optimism in times of uncertainty. The notion of beauty and glamour is an ongoing reference for the brand; the ways in which these ideals evolve and change across time and culture. In embracing and fusing these codes and elements, AREA celebrates duality and togetherness.
AREA and ill.i Optics debuted a new eyewear style, “The Bassey,” combining eyewear and jewelry with additional crystals and earrings hanging from the end of the arm. Models wore custom embellished TEVA’s backstage and on the runway.
ABOUT TEVA
Pioneered in 1984, Teva stands for freedom in footwear. Teva believes that how you choose to live is the ultimate form of personal expression and their products are crafted to the accessible, versatile and a celebration of the independent spirit. Creator of the original sport sandal over three decades ago, Teva products are now sold in over 40 countries worldwide. www.teva.com / @teva
ABOUT ILL.I
Born from a lifelong passion for experimental eyewear, ill.i is a project that challenges the norm. Re-imagining timeless silhouettes with a progressive approach, the contemporary aesthetic makes a definitive point of being past, present and future. ill.i is at the forefront, but always remains classic, valuing quality above all. Each frame is handmade in Italy by skilled craftsmen using innovate techniques, merging together tradition and new technology. http://ill.i.am / @ill.i.official
For her tenth collection, Spring/Summer 2018, designer Sandy Liang continues to approach her brand’s downtown roots with new, playful interpretations of nostalgic narrative, and elevated experimentation with shirting and all-year transitional outerwear.
Liang also introduces color-blocked oversize knit polos, floaty eyelet and lace paired with her hallmark statement leather jackets and neck-cozying shearling. Piece by piece and collection by collection, Liang builds strong through lines in her clothes that reveal a consistent understanding of her girl, as well as the riffs and subversions that make her girl reminisce and smirk.
Liang’s lines reveal a consistent understanding of her girl
The SS18 collection plays with tensions in material and embellishment: The Bayside Fleece updates the classic layer-able outerwear with an elegant, luxury jacquard pocket, while dress cuts in the collection reference both strappy garter belts and updated school uniforms. Denim in the collection is embellished with clustered Swarovski crystals, as well as metal loops that originated as nipple jewelry offering a clever nod to punk aesthetics. Work and play combine artfully in the Corbin Belt, which is part garter, part hardware tool belt.
Tailoring is central to the collection: exciting shirting has gaps with girly peeks of skin, a leather apron is closely fitted as a kind of spare outerwear designed with a kangaroo pocket. The Wells Denim Jacket is artfully designed to hang via a long halter from the shoulders, achieving a kind of enviable forever-slouch.
Tailoring is central to the collection
Liang’s subtly wry references are woven through the collection with inventive humor. For Spring, she customized the Lit Print, which features polka dots mixed with tiny rainbow lighters. Gel-filled floral decals grace the bib of lace dresses, a touchable element balanced by the movement of ruffles and black sheer ribbons. Oversize denim is designed with deep pockets marked with a subtle “xx”– referring to the way so many women sign off their e-mails.
The HKTDC commissioned an independent research agency to conduct on-site surveys during CENTRESTAGE, interviewing more than 270 exhibitors and buyers to gauge their views on the outlook for the fashion industry and the coming year’s product trends. The survey found that the industry is cautiously optimistic about sales in the coming year. More than half of the respondents expect overall sales to remain steady, while about 40 per cent of respondents expect overall sales to grow. 
Over 70 per cent engaged in e-tailing, a significant jump from previous year
A number of master sharing sessions were held during CENTRESTAGE. At one of the sessions, Jean Colin, Vice President of Global Expansion, Fashion Division, Samsung C&T Corporation, which represents the Korean brand JUUN.J, analyzed the brand’s rise to global fashion prominence. Ms. Colin said Juun.J realized his dream of establishing his own brand by partnering with Samsung C&T. The company put together a team to help the brand find its market position, and supported Juun.J to join overseas Fashion Week events, she said.
First-time exhibitor Hausie Showroom is a newly established fashion company in Hong Kong that represents more than 20 international brands.“The company made its debut at CENTRESTAGE this year to showcase a variety of fashion collections, jewelry and bags for over 17 brands we exclusively distribute,” said founder Vivian Pang-Williams. 
Nicholas Chong, CEO of fashion retail chain YFS, which operates 138 stores in Malaysia, said his company visited CENTRESTAGE for the first time. “I have already identified several Hong Kong designer brands for cooperation,” said Mr. Chong. “They include fashion jewelry by CIAO and casual wear for ladies by FromClothingOf. I expect to place orders worth about US $10,000 to US $30,000 each with them. The menswear collections by Hong Kong designer Angus Tsui are also appealing. We will explore collaboration to create a new menswear series for the HK $1,000-HK $4,000 retail price market.”
