Son Jung Wan presented a gorgeous winter garden inspired Fall/Winter 2012 collection, the third appearance for the iconic Korean designer. Furs and feathers were combined with lavish embellished stains and flowing floral silks. The predominantly womenswear collection featured elegantly executed separates and dresses with fluid, generous silhouettes. Son showed a few equally attractive menswear looks among the feminine ensembles.

The collection employed the warmth of natural woven fabrics like alpaca, shearling, and wool accompanied by opulent furs including rabbit, mink, fox, and raccoon. The incorporation of animal based textiles, in trims, linings, or full-coats, gave the collection a very raw, organic pretense, that when paired with sparking embellishment and silk jacquard became pure luxury. Winter garden blooms were literally interpreted with oriental embroidery and silk floral prints. The subdued neutral gray and cream crocheted and wool pieces were the perfect canvas for bold emerald, orange, and plum hues to jump lively off of. Sophisticated gowns, modest silk dresses, and wool separates met playful leather jackets, fur-trimmed blazers, and mini shorts—Son’s collection offering looks for many styles and aesthetics. Special guests in attendance included Matthew Settle, Kelly Rutherford, Carol Alt, and J. Alexander.

 

Backstage prior to the show, we got a chance to speak to Son Jung Wan and learn more about her inspiration and the women she designs for. Specifically, artist Marc Quinn’s contemporary works have been the source of Son’s oriental winter garden mood. The Fall 2012 season finds Son branching out with more colors and an evolving silhouette. The collection was an intuitive mix of fashion forward pieces we expect to see on New York City socialites as soon as it’s available and looks with slightly more mature silhouettes. This philosophy was reinforced when we heard from MAC lead make up artist for the show, Lyne Desnoyers. She finds it very inspiring that Son Jung Wan’s designs—iconic in Korea—can be found on trendy, young socialites as well as more mature clientele donning her simply elegant evening wear. This characteristic of simple, ageless beauty, made possible by Son’s aesthetic, inspired Desnoyers to create a look for youthful sophistication for the runway. Soft, iridescent creams and a taupe eye contribute to what Desnoyers calls “imitation of perfection;” a proper eye, lip, and cheek that are defined without being harsh.