Contemporary art is having quite the moment this season at New York Fashion Week. For rising star, Hanako Maeda, the designer juxtaposed the intentions of artist Yves Klein’s work in Anthropométries, with ready-to-wear fashion. Evoking the feeling of Klein using naked women as “human paintbrushes” to paint a blank canvas with the artist’s signature blue, Maeda combines glossy-textured heat transferred fabrics in creamy white with navy neoprene for a look that’s as modern as it is appealing.
The designer, who is already known by fans and fashion-folk for her love of unique and exquisite materials does not disappoint with her latest collection. Consisting of mostly separates, futuristic looks take precedence with angular hemmed skirts and boxy tops revealing only a sliver of midriff skin. Pops of bright orange lend to that contemporary architectural feel on dress sleeves, necklines, and layers. Culottes are cool again in patterned burnt gold paired with a knit pullover, and structural tops with built-in capes. Signifying the designer’s source of artistic inspiration with a definite nod to Klein’s work, flowy silk gowns are gorgeous in white, with that paint-stained appeal in blue.
Maria Valentino/MCV Photo
It’s interesting to see Maeda’s transitions over the past three seasons, the designer gets even better with each collection. We are now officially and anxiously awaiting ADEAM for the fall.
