story by Seth Friedermann
photos by Rachel Reneé
Jen Kao’s Spring 2013 designs represented a clean break with her past romanticism. Incredibly interesting and bold, the collection rested on Ms. Kao’s play with angles and folds, as well as her use of very modern fabrics such as neoprene, latex and mesh. The clothing felt designed to instantly move the wearer beyond simple trends and into a front line position firmly ahead of the pack.
Ms. Kao does not drift rudderless from collection to collection. Her confidence and growing poise are obvious, and with this collection she has grabbed the spotlight and perhaps the lead, in a city which is rich in young talented designers.
