In a collection that depicted traditional Eastern design, Uma Wang’s AW14 show for Milan Fashion Week debut on Saturday night. Featuring oversized long robes, mixed with clashing patterns and a wide colour palette of reds, the designer channelled her oriental roots and produced an Asian-inspired compilation.
With scarlet and maroon shades, the catwalk displayed a mix of black juxtaposed against subtle hues of colour. The first part of the collection revealed darker tones, but as it developed Wang portrayed typical eastern design using fuchsias to convey her own heritage. Scarce as it was, there were intricate floral patterns emerging in the latter half of the collection, with the models swept underneath the array of florescent material.
Like her SS14 collection, Wang shied away from fitted clothes that enhanced shape and instead opted for a neutralising long and heavy set of fabric that drowned the models – desexualising their form and uniting them. For Uma Wang, this season for was not about glamour, as understated looks swept over the runway. Hair and makeup was simple and minimal with the models supporting high buns, revealing fly away hairs. Each model wore a flat pair of either red or black brogues rebelling against the typical heel, staying in tune with the Eastern collection.
The majority of lengths were long and conservative, rarely revealing above the knee. With fabrics such as wool, silk and velvet, an essence of comfort was introduced. The robes were reminiscent of kaftans, shrouding the female form with even the designer supporting a loose black poncho, herself.
For Uma Wang this was another opportunity to show the world a representation of her cultural background, mixing Eastern designs with a Western audience.
by Emma Walsh
Images from www.fashionising.com