Lanyu spring/summer 2017 collection catwalk show for NYFW

Despite the 8pm start time, the Lanyu show was a packed house. Showing at The Dock at Moynihan Station, the crowd eagerly anticipated this elegant designer’s take on spring/summer 2017 trends. 

While Lanyu is fairly new to the American audience, the brand is well known in China for their bridal and couture collections. Lanyu designer Lan Yu hopes to expand her brand into an global success through international outreach at events like New York Fashion Week. Lanyu has already made inroads into popular culture in the US: Kim Kardashian was seen wearing a Lanyu design in Cannes this spring.

Yu strives to create a design aesthetic that merges Western techniques with her Chinese culture. While the designs are quite contemporary, Yu also utilises in her collection a form of traditional Chinese embroidery called Su embroidery. This delicate hand done stitching is an artform that has been passed down for generations by the women in her family. Yu hopes to keep this technique alive in her designs.

The inspiration of her latest collection is the magnolia flower which symbolises femininity and youth in Chinese culture. For her collection this meant fantasy dresses in a predominantly pastel colour palette in beautiful silks and organzas judiciously punctuated by black. There were also several elaborate wedding dresses fit for a princess bride, a nod to one of Yu’s staples.

The combination of creativity and craftsmanship make the Lanyu garments stand out in what can at times be a fast fashion world. There should be a bright spot on the international stage for Lan Yu and her designs.

Maggie Gillette
Photos: Bogdan Seredyak

For further information about Lanyu visit here.