A few weeks ago, the Asian Fashion Collection (AFC) graced the runway during New York Fashion Week, highlighting a range of emerging designers from across Asia. Photographer Leila Jacue captured the essence of this vibrant event, showcasing the unique styles and creative visions of five innovative brands. A Photographic Review!
Produced and sponsored by VANTAN INC. and PARCO CO., LTD, AFC serves as an incubation project dedicated to fostering new talent in the fashion industry. By providing a platform for young designers to debut their collections during the prestigious NYFW, AFC is passionate about expanding the reach of promising up-and-coming designers throughout Asia.
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LITTLE BEDROOM
Designer Sora Komatsu draws on his background in internet and anime geek culture, combining street fashion with high fashion in his brand LITTLE BEDROOM. The collection, titled “Foundation,” showcases the theme “Geek Culture Strikes Back!” with designs that reflect the highlights of geekdom, including influences from anime, manga, and video games. Komatsu’s connection to Japanese factories allows him to produce garments using traditional techniques, resulting in a unique fusion of past and present.
YOUSUKE HAGA
Yousuke Haga’s designs resonate with the spirit of self-expression. His collection, “Night Hawks,” captures the feeling of solitude in the city at night, blending decadent, decorative elements with experimental textiles. Haga’s ability to intertwine his cultural influences into his designs creates a clothing line that is both personal and evocative, inviting wearers to embrace their individuality.
BILL BILL
With the concept of “clothing with free thought,” the duo behind BILL BILL seeks to create garments that enhance artistic expression. Their collection, “Colorless Bible,” embodies the desire to reinterpret rigid artistic conventions into wearable art. By employing pure white fabrics alongside exaggerated expressions inspired by cartoons, the designers invite creativity and imagination into the realm of fashion.
MEGKIM
Designer Meg Kim’s “Run Wild” collection delves into her archives, blending romantic masculinity with utilitarian workwear. The AW25 collection reflects a narrative of freedom and resilience, drawing inspiration from the equine spirit. Kim’s use of washed colours, brass vintage buttons, and intricate tailoring brings forth a timeless aesthetic that honours the craftsmanship behind each piece while celebrating individuality.
PCES
The FW25 collection by PCES explores the intricate relationship between life and death, taking inspiration from Asian cultural ties to the number four—often associated with death. This unique concept examines the endless cycle of death and rebirth, merging traditional elements with modern design techniques. The result is a profound commentary on duality, showcasing how seemingly opposite elements can coexist and give rise to new creations.
The Asian Fashion Collection at New York Fashion Week was a dynamic celebration of creativity and cultural expression, beautifully captured by Leila Jacue. Through the talent featured in this showcase, AFC not only highlights the innovative spirit of designers from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and beyond but also serves as a beacon for the future of fashion. As AFC continues to nurture emerging talent, the global fashion landscape becomes richer and more diverse.
