Summary: For Fall ’13, Vivienne Tam explored the current cultural dialogue, peppering her collection with Pop Art elements that gave a nod to the rich history of designers, like Yves Saint Laurent, who have employed art in fashion design to make a political and cultural statement. President Obama and Mao were key players in this collection, particularly in the repetition of a black, white and red print featuring a crowd of Obamas, and a series of jackets inspired by Mao, as well as prints of his writing. Shown on the Chinese New Year, Tam noted that this is a collection “inspired by the conceptual underpinnings of the punk movement; questioning the status quo an celebrating individuality but also uniting in our cultural identities, embracing paradox and life’s essence: yin and yang.”
Colors: Black, cream, white, orange, charcoal, army green, mushroom green, camel, dark navy.
Fabrics and Textures: Leather, Pop Culture Obama print, silk cotton faille, wool, pleating, jersey, wool crepe, applique, poplin, plaid, quilting, mesh, twill, houndstooth, fox fur, taffeta, felt, lace, sequins.
Key Looks: Mao black leather sleeve jacket with POP CULTURE OBAMA print in silk/cotton faille. Black wool melton pleated skirt and cream jersey turtleneck shell; “Wan Sui” (long live) shiny sequin lace dress and navy felt long coat. Black jersey turtleneck dress; Black silk/cotton faille sleeveless long gown with POP CULTURE OBAMA applique.
– Amanda Aldinger
Photos: NYMag
