Recent graduates of San Francisco’s Academy of Art University returned to the Bryant Park tents on Saturday, February 2, 2008, showing a remarkably varied and impressive collection of womenswear and menswear. These talented designers drew from an eclectic array of influences, such as architecture, visual art, Japanese anime and cinema. Five of the designers are originally from South Korea, and some of them combined their materials in seamless and aesthetically pleasing ways.
Juhee Chung’s collection, inspired by architect Louis I. Kahn (subject of the documentary “My Architect”), and Soo Jung Sung’s collection, inspired by the recent Korean film “Blue Swallow” (a biopic of Korea’s first female aviator) particularly stood out. The designers drew from both pop culture and more academic influences, exhibiting a global perspective on their designs that was quite inventive and creatively exhilarating. In addition, Shady N. R. Elias’ men’s designs impressed with their solidity combined with hints of more playful elements.
Juhee Chung
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Juhee Chung
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Soo Jung Sung
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photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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Video: Runway Highlights
video by Christopher Bourne