Korean designer Son Jung Wan returned to New York Fashion Week this weekend with her S/S25 collection, which used a retro color palette. The collection, titled “The Wonder of Diversity,” explores themes of postmodernism and nostalgic color schemes, often paired with floral appliqués, sequins, and accentuated feminine silhouettes.
When asked what separated this collection from past runway shows, Son Jung Wan replied, “Colors.” Colors like Apricot Crush, Midnight Plum, and Avatar Aqua were a fresh departure from the sleeker, darker colors of winter fashion. Models wore minimal makeup, with editorial eye shadow looks and minor pearl enhancements placed under the corners of their eyes. The simple hair and makeup looks allowed Son Jung Wan’s artistry to shine through, with the audience focused only on her designs. Candy-striped pants and dresses were paired with geometric fabric cuts, reminiscent of the light-hearted fashions of the 1960s.
Along with bright, playful colors, Son Jung Wan used light golds, whites, and pale pastels. These looks were whimsical, with the light colors balancing out the feathers, floral appliques, and layers of tulle in the designs used. In conversation with XOXO Fashion Magazine, the designer told us that a summer vacation had inspired her to create a collection that honored the diversity of women’s beauty. She said she was in an area with a different atmosphere, emphasizing “respecting diversity.”
Jung Wan uses contrasting geometric patterns to make her collections pop, but she also honors the female silhouette. Her shapes include flared sleeves and cinched waists to flatter the wearer. Some shirts in this collection featured a straight-cut waistline, but the exaggerated sleeves and elegant necklines did not diminish the models’ natural silhouettes.
Various materials, fabrics, cuts, and colors were used throughout this collection. But the spirit of Son Jung Wan is not lost in celebrating female diversity in her S/S 25 offerings. SJW curated many different style elements into her design for the collection, but a manicured coherence was not lost amongst the audience. Actress Brooke Shields and former editor Kelly Bensimon were in the front row, in awe of Son Jung Wan’s ability to artfully capture the myriad of ways that femininity can be represented. When asked what she wanted to carry into her future bodies of work from this year’s runway, the designer said she would remain dedicated to respecting the diversity of women.
Photographer: Kevin Tachman
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
