I was thrilled to catch up with Son Jung Wan backstage before she presented her Fall 2015 collection for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center on February 14th. I have become a fan of the designer after having met, interviewing, viewing and her gorgeous collections several times. Season after season she continues to innovate and do what she does best: create impeccable pieces that make women feel beautiful. She uses luxe fabrics including leathers, fur, woolens knits and metallics, and always gives us a shot of intense color using a multitude of textures. I asked the designer a few questions through an interpreter but she understood and answered me in English.
SCS: Since you have shown your collection at New York Fashion week for several years now, do you design differently for American women?
SJW: I don’t because I think all women are similar. Every woman wants to look sexy, feminine, luxurious and chic.
SCS: What 2 or 3 pieces from your collection do you think are must-haves for fall 2015?
SJW: The color purple! And pieces that are handcrafted or knitted, and Norm Core.
SCS: What is the best advice that anyone ever gave you?
SJW: Enjoy your life and be happy!
The Son Jung Wan Fall ’15 presentation that followed certainly did make me happy! Inspired by the romantic MGM films of the 1950’s and the fashion photography of Gordon Parks. Described as retro-meets-modern her collection included glamour with a touch of romance. Fabrics consisted of merino wool and handcrafted knits in unusual color combinations. Lively metallics, leather and multi-colored furs brought forth the relaxed yet chic mood of the era.
Standouts included fuchsia furs and wool coats in vibrant orange, adorned with either a fox fur collar, lamb fur details or beaver fur sleeves. The colors were based on dark wintery tones of Murky Mushroom, Dark Olive Green, Juicy Orange, Russet Orange and Mystic African Violet. Her pieces were perfectly finished and included various texture details using different wool fabrics, such as compact wool and painted wool.
– Carol Calacci
Photos: Second City Style
