‘ROMANZA’ BY ZUZU KIM
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
Although New York Fall 2012 Fashion Week has come and gone, we are still remembering all the fabulous collections of the season.
One very special collection, brought to us on February 16th at Bennett Media Studio close to the Meatpacking District and Chelsea Markets, was ZuZu Kim’s Fall 2012 Collection, filled with harmonious fashions.
The ZuZu Kim label has quite a unique and interesting story behind it. The designer is Christina Kim who is actually a self-taught classical pianist who wanted to wear comfortable and romantic clothing as she performed. Being a fashion design student herself at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she had the creativity and talent to make this wish come true and began designing her own pieces. Kim also ran a high-end women’s atelier in Chicago before she began designing for Phoebe Couture and ultimately for Mary McFadden where she became head designer within one year.
Last September in 2011, during New York Fashion Week, Kim launched her very first women’s ready-to-wear collection. It was an instant hit and loved by fans and critics alike. The media raved about it and it was in many publications. Sticking with the pianist theme, the collection was appropriately called ‘Concerto’ and was filled with chic and trendy outfits.
This Fall/Winter 2012 Collection was ingenious and imaginative and labeled ‘Romanza’. It was a reflection of her artistic background as a pianist with Kim’s take on tuxedo blouses and conductor jackets. Fabrics were of the highest quality of cashmere, chiffon and lamb’s leather. The designs were richly done in navy, gold, burgundy, black and white with hints of scallops and lace.
Christina’s inspiration was the Second Movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.20 and the clothes flowed wonderfully with a sense of playfulness and congruence combined with bold and turbulent passion.
The fall will flourish with some of these fine outfits such as the Navy wool-cashmere coat dress or the pearl lace shift dress. As the moon rises in the night sky, it is met with the gold brocade jacket and pearl wide-legged satin-faced wool pants. One of my favorites was the leather and wool draped jacket with pleated silk skirt.
As guests mingled in an intimate setting and enjoyed viewing this feminine and yet tailored collection, SVEDKA cherry martinis were served. Notable guests included Karen Koeningsberg, Jeannie Ortega and Keino Benjamin.
Each collection seems to surpass the last. We are eager to follow ZuZu Kim in the fashion world season after season. This trendy studio was the perfect place to unveil a collection masked in beauty and sophistication.
A PORTION OF THE PHOTOS COURTESY OF ZuZu Kim
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