story by Cassandra Past
photos by Michael Cinquino
web editor Rachel Reneé
Blanc de Chine, a Hong Kong luxury label and pioneer in innovative textiles and silhouettes, has once again harmonized elegance and comfort in this season’s collection. Redefining its roots, this season the collections was all about the senses, a feast for the mind. Harmony was a key element as the collection was cohesive, each piece complementing the next.
Silk and sequins were the textiles of choice. Evening gowns looked as though they had been made of starlight. One in particular, a Qi Pao-inspired evening gown was the galaxy come to life in bellflower purple. Side pleats were the perfect addition to this fitted garment, a culmination of comfort and classicism. Another Qi Pao-inspired piece in dazzling light cobalt with a sheer black detail, created an elongating silhouette. A breezy, pleated dress in sodalite blue, falling just below the knee, had a fantastic, triangular theme. A raven black silk cape with one side having the same triangular pleating, gave the model wings as she gracefully flew down the runway. Another impactful look was a long black fur cape that shimmered as the model dominated the runway with its power. This cape was the perfect dominant piece that led to a smooth transition to the compelling men’s line.
Silk black jackets with closures at the front and a raised collar were the key elements of the men’s collection. Upon further inspection, pleated ivory silk shirts concealed underneath the jackets were an intricate detail that could not be overlooked. Asymmetrical seams in the back of coats added a fascinating garment detail to the collection. One coat in particular in steel gray, fell well below the knee. With a mandarin collar, the coat established a strong, elongated figuration.
Black has always been a pervasive representation of power, and red too signifies importance and majesty. Strong silhouettes and paramount pigments defined this season. Tactile textiles were key as silk, created to look like leather, added modern material to classical Chinese silhouettes. These creative combinations certainly affirmed the notion of the label, “so ancient, so modern,” and allowed outsiders to view what the future is like in the eyes of Blanc de Chine, a brand that moves forward into the future, springing from the past.
Hair: Amanda Jenkins
Make-up: Christina Amador
Shoes: Bruno Magli