Son Jung Wan once again gave an art history lesson at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this past Saturday (February 9). Last season, she was inspired by Spanish artist Juan Miro. For her Fall/Winter 2013 collection, the Korean designer was influenced by two of Russia’s greats: painter Kandinsky for his flair in bringing together music and art and the Catherine Palace for its extravagant elegance.

Wan worked with her two contrasting inspirations as she masterfully balanced fine details and neutral hues (gray, ivory, off-white and beige) with lavish textures (wool, fur, tweed, cash-pelt and suede) and jewel tones (ox blood, burgundy, gold, deep violet and teal). Case in point: her last two looks with the ultra-glamorous fox mocha-colored fur coat accentuated with sequins and the hot gold sequined jumper that fabulously finished the show.

Wan has become known for her romantic aesthetics, always offering alluring gowns amongst the heavy coats, floor-gazing pants and structured cocktail dresses. Her latest collection was no different as she included show-stopping mesh dresses in dark violet and mocha – surely wowing her Hollywood fans like Brooke Shields and Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford.

To check out more of Son Jung Wan, visit sonjungwan.com.

Photo Courtesy: Rodin Banica

In August, the 2012 London Olympic Games gave many Asians athletes an international platform to demonstrate their physical prowess. Last month, a different group of Asians were put on the spotlight. A new season of Fashion Week took over New York and I was there to soak it all in all while getting first-hand looks at the creativity of numerous Asian designers inside or outside the tents. Check out four Asian designers or brands that were at this season’s New York Fashion Week.

Gavin Rajah

The South African-born designer debuted his Spring 2013 collection as one of the five designers featured at the Arise African Icons fashion collective, held in Lincoln Center. From sparkly pink shorts to the gold dresses, Gavin Rajah stayed true to his opulent designs as even his headgear were luxurious like the gold visors. [Image Courtesy: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week]

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I bid thee farewell Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and its more than 100 designers who previewed their fall 2011 collections last week  in New York City. Though I did not attend, I will always feel like fashion is a part in me that taps well beyond the ready-to-wear clothes on my back. Okay, I lied because these are thrift finds I’m wearing, but here are eclectic fall and wintry looks from a few Asian and AA designers that will drive any trendmonger mad. Next Fashion Week stop, London (with Ashish, J. JS Lee, and more)!

Courtesy of Getty Images

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