RICHARD CHAI

It's about the cozy and warm feeling they bring you. Influences included photos from August Sanders of Diane Arbus as well as the work of Charles James and Madame Gres. The focus was mainly on creating a new elegance through tailored clothes that envelop the body by structure and drape. Another emphasis is texture and the play of different weights of fabric and patterns. The fabrics selected are indicative of the feel of the collection; using a variety of cashmeres including double-faced, basket weave and gauze juxtaposes the feeling of coziness and luxury.

Incorporating Swarovski crystals reinforces this luxury and elevates the clothing to a level of sophistication and refinement. The approach this season was to create the illusion of the material and crystals as one piece. Instead of the traditional ornamentation of crystals they are throughout the fabric, even in the twist and folds of intricate garments, and are seemingly part of the fabric as opposed to adorning it. They provide a bit of sparkle to a matte background and add an additional layer of texture and weight which are cornerstones of the collection.

"Working with Swarovski this season allowed me to challenge the tradition of crystals as decorative and integrate them wholly into my designs even to the extent that the crystals appear to be part of the fabric."

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Richard Chai