There’s a particular magic that happens when a designer honors tradition while fearlessly embracing the future. As I settled into my seat, Son Jung Wan’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection unfolded before me like a visual meditation on this very concept — each piece in her “Go with the Flow” presentation telling a story of reverence for craft and bold creative vision
The IAC Building provided a fitting backdrop for a collection that so elegantly traversed time, merging avant-garde sensibilities with traditional elements. What struck me most wasn’t just the technical precision of the garments, but the philosophical depth underpinning them.
Past Meets Present
Son Jung Wan isn’t simply referencing the past in this collection – she’s having a conversation with it. The designs don’t replicate bygone eras but rather rediscover forgotten beauty through a contemporary lens. Each piece seemed to whisper stories of identity shifts and memory’s fluid nature.
I found myself particularly drawn to the experimental silhouettes that have become something of a signature for the brand. These weren’t just clothes; they were artifacts of a creative journey through time, embodying Son Jung Wan’s cyclical evolution.
A Luminous Palette
The color story unfolded like poetry on the runway. It began with a Luminous Celestial Yellow that captured the essence of sunlight filtering through clouds – warm, hopeful, and undeniably uplifting.
The introduction of Midnight Blue brought a sophisticated depth to the collection. This wasn’t just any blue, but one that evoked the vast mysteries of a night sky, creating a perfect counterpoint to the yellow’s brightness.
Pastel Parchment moments offered interludes of calm nostalgia, with their soft, powdery undertones bringing a sense of timeless elegance to the proceedings.
Black Ink served as the collection’s anchor – rich and dense, reminiscent of traditional calligraphy strokes. This wasn’t merely black for black’s sake, but a shade with cultural resonance and artistic weight.
Textural Symphony
The textile selection revealed Son Jung Wan’s nuanced understanding of materiality. Wool, cashmere, and angora created a foundation of softness, but were manipulated into deconstructed forms with layered details that kept them firmly in experimental territory.
Metallic satin and silk captured and reflected light in ways that transformed with movement, their asymmetrical patterns creating visual intrigue from every angle.
The patent leather and velvet pieces commanded attention through their intense textures. The deliberate cuts and layering techniques demonstrated how traditional luxury fabrics can be reimagined with bold, contemporary vision.
Global Influence
It’s worth noting that Son Jung Wan’s influence extends far beyond this single runway presentation. With 54 stores across Asia and 110 points of sale globally, she stands as the top-selling female-owned designer collection from Seoul. Her empire includes the SON JUNG WAN Women’s collection, SJ Wani Juniors, WANINI Men’s, and the SJW GOLF athleisure line – a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal.
The Fall/Winter 2025 collection reaffirms why Son Jung Wan continues to captivate the fashion world. By inviting us to “Go with the Flow,” she’s created more than just beautiful garments – she’s offered a philosophical framework for approaching style with both mindfulness and freedom.
Photos: Rodin Banica
SHOW CREDITS:
Production: Freesmeier Projects
Stylist: Deborah Watson at Walter Schupfer Management
Director: Lynne O’Neill at Hula Inc.
Casting Director: Chad Thompson at communa-k inc.
Public Relations: Krupp Group
Backstage Photography: Kevin Tachman
Runway Photography: Rodin Banica
Music Director: Laurent Vacher at Labtonic
Makeup: Marc Reagan for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
Hair: Matthew Curtis for Goldwell
Nails: Nails by Pattie Yankee and Team PYP
Dressers: Barbara Berman
Backstage Scenic: ReadySet
Lighting: Dave Overcamp at OPL Productions
Video Direction: Tom Ford Films
