LFW: David Koma's Circular Logic

I am inexpressibly (is that a word?) in love with this show by 25-year-old Georgian, David Koma.

His designs play bright, fluffy bits of color (just a perfect amount, in my opinion) against hard-edged body-con pieces.           

As  Fashion156 puts its, there is an angelic dominatrix vibe coming off the show. The faces on the pieces are  photography done by the designer’s friend, Oleg Dou, and are actually Russian nuns. The mass of circles are inspired by the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, but there is nothing kitschy in his restatement of that artist.

I also like this show because it provides a counter-statement to the flowy romanticism of the seventies that is popping up everywhere in shows.

Visions of China: Hong Kong Fashion Week vs Ralph Lauren

Hong Kong Fashion Week(end) was January 17 - 20. At the Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza, Alex Wang (no, not Alexander Wang) and Barney Cheng strutted their skills with gorgeous craftsmanship and very modern visions. 

But that wasn't the only Far Eastern event in the fashion world. Interestingly enough, many designers were working Chinese elements into their designs this week in New York, especially at Ralph Lauren.

When in Beijing, Do As the Romans Do

In an unprecedented international art exchange, the governments of China and Italy (Beijing and Rome, respectively) have each announced long-term, loaned installments of the other country's art. Beijing will host Italian art, and Rome will showcase Chinese pieces.

In Rome, at the Palazzo di Venezia, the Chinese government has installed a "state museum of Chinese culture." The new museum has already begun its first exhibit, titled "The Two Empires: the Eagle and the Dragon." It contrasts the histories of the Roman empire with the Chinese Qin and Han Dynasties. The exhibit is part of the Year of China in Italy, where Italy is raising cultural awareness of the country they have enjoyed 40 years of diplomatic ties with.

Image via Heritage Key