Article by Jessica Laiter
Calvin Luo this season presented his collection with a street wear don’t care, kind of attitude. Set to the tune of an aggressive soundtrack, models came flying down the runway at the Skylight Clarkson Square venue, in oversized sweaters, hoodies, floor length outerwear and skirts, tailored pants and jackets, on some of which you could find the word “ASEXUAL” printed down the sleeves, across the collars, and around the waist. Aiming to prove that we are all different, but the same, male and female models interchangeably sported his Fall Winter 2017 designs, eliminating the gender roles traditionally assigned to men and women. Men can rock skirts, and menswear for women is, in fact, a politically correct statement. Even the models makeup and hairstyles made the difference indistinguishable.
Playing with retro color combinations, such as vintage reds, greens, blues, beiges, yellows, Luo mix and matches plaids, solids, and velvets on a range of seemingly haphazard yet versatile styles. Some of the models layered these combos with fishnet stockings.
Just when I though the show was finished, the lights faded into complete darkness and the runway was swallowed in a neon blue light. House music blasted over the sound system and out emerged a group of dancers moving robotically to the beat. Across their clothing scrolled the words CALVIN LUO in LED lights and the room evolved into an electric and palpitating stage for interpretive dance.
Despite his aggressive runway, speaking with Calvin Luo behind stage was an entirely different experience. He seemed timid, and overwhelmed by the onslaught of media clawing for his attention. When it came time for my interview with him, it was very matter of fact and to the point. So much so that I was only able to get one answer out of him:
AsianInNY: What was your inspiration for this season’s collection?
Calvin Luo: For this collection, my inspiration came from the word “asexual” there is no difference between guys and girls. So we did a lot of mix and match of women’s and menswear. So that was the main inspiration for this collection.
There you have it!
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