Ushering in Central and North Asia influenced embroideries, China born designer Vivienne Tam showcased her latest collection for New York Fashion week on February 15th at the Skylight at Moynihan Station.
Well known for her masterful fusion of “East-Meet-West” fashion style, Tam has established herself in the fashion world since launching her eponymous line in 1994, staying firmly rooted in her signature distinctive style. The FW16 collection features elements that recall Xinjiang, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Russia influences in the embroideries and color palettes of the pieces. Much of the eye-catching embroidery includes flowers, medallions, and patterns that are reflective of tapestries and artwork from Central Asia, presenting an impressive cultural college.
Tam’s latest collection opens with warmer tone of crimson and purple—color tones that also perpetuated throughout the New York Fashion Week design trends. Tam’s attention to detail shone through with incredibly intricate embroideries. The collection then gradually shifts to constructed jacquard pieces, lamé skirts with gold and silver tones. Tam ends her collection with black and white pieces, displaying crochet, oversized knits, leather and fringed jackets.
Well-known for her global collaboration projects, Tam recently collaborated with the Joy & Peace footwear brand to create custom leather last cut heels, sporting a pair of her own collaboration at the show. The collaboration is set to launch later this year in the fall.
Tam’s mastering of cross-cultural fusion, eclectic yet versatile looks, and easy-to-wear aspects in her designs makes her appealing to a broad range of audience. Both beautiful and practical, Tam’s latest collection is targeted at the “woman-on-the-go” while maintaining her signature east-meets-west style. Leaving us with this season’s silk-road inspired collection, Tam once again proves the incredibly allure and success of her cross-cultural design style.
-Katherine Wu
