Fashion Funhouse Emporium

Parkchoonmoo

With her Spring 2102 collection, Parkmoonchoo chose an abstract art influence of color soaked garments. Demi Park admits to have been deeply inspired by Korea's beauty. The colors used are thus reminiscent of her Korean heritage. With her third season showing at New York Fashion Week, she's sparked interest with her innovative architecturally influenced garments.

Colors: Black, red, blue, white, orange, red

Materials: Chiffon, elastic, silk, and leather.

Loved Looks:

View Full Collection at Elle

While the the inspiration of the show was to seem as if garments were dyed haphazardly in color, there were still Parkchoonmoo's signature black and white looks. The most intriguing pieces though, were the silk dresses with blots of red and cobalt blue. A silk loose draped dress with just a singular blue splash proved that when the designer does minimal, its exceptional. A white suit with a simple silk top of blue and red are easily wearable without too much distraction.

Unloved Looks:

The bandage elastic belts were either intentionally askew...or not.

People, Music and Scene:

The venue was an easy wide open space with plenty of seating and few left standing. With a white curtain and benches, a drum beat made for a serene feeling. Though there weren't many recognizable faces in the crowd, it wasn't your typical fashion show crashers crowd. To head over to this off-site venue, the crowd had to be in the know and were there to check out the collection and not bump elbows with a celebrity.

Rating:

Three and three quarter Karl Lagerfelds

Jen Kao

Inspired by lucid and paralytic dreams, Jen Kao brings more of her signature street style with easy refinement to the runway. With five seasons of showing at Fashion Week and one resort collection under her belt, she is working a bit more with pattern than in the past. The major differences each season, while still keeping true to her style is the reason why we want to continue to see her evolve.

Colors: orange, ivory, pink, blue, lilac, pastels

Materials: Jersey, chiffon, lace, knit, organza, hemp, cotton

Loved Looks:

View Full Collection on Style.com

Jen Kao's strength lies in the intricate knits and laces that she creates. The papaya orange dress will look great for a spring night out or even on a young starlet on the red carpet. For those of us who run around during our day jobs, the mermaid printed shirt dress paired with adorable high tops are perfect for a get-up-and go look. The blue lace shirt dress is an easy change from day to night. The versatility of her separates are what makes Kao's collection retail ready, while the addition of paper origami elements by The Paper Cut Project made her collection show ready.

Unloved Looks:

The sneakers didn't work with everything, though I wish they did.

People, Music and Scene:

The music was listed as Albert Swarm on the program. Shown at Lincoln Center's studio, there were still plenty of seats left to fill when the standing line was let in. As always with Lincoln Center, there are the people who are there to be seen, celebrity chasers and those who are there for the clothes. Socialite and jack-of-all trades Becka Diamond sat front row. Did I mention Micheal Stipe from REM was there? I sat across the row from him, and I had no idea. He was incognito with a hat, moustache and sunglasses, looking way older than I remember him from the days when I played his song Crush with Eyeliner ad nausea as a college radio D.J. That's a great song. Stand, on the other hand...

Rating:

Three out of four Karl Lagerfelds

As you are breaking out long pants, sweaters and coats, Jamar Graham, my trusty correspondent and are checking out the collections at New York Fashion Week Spring 2012.

Our fashion week schedule is full of sophomore and even unheard of designers. These are the best shows for us, as its always exciting to see the next up and coming batch of fashion designers. Not to sugar coat, but sometimes we witness a few that need to go back to the drawing board. But, that doesn't mean we don't catch a few shows that knock our socks off --and then we later gloat "I saw her/his first show!"

These are the designers on our radar this season:

Sally LaPointe

Sally Lapointe Spring 2011 Debut, Photo: Dan Lecca

In Spring 2011, Sally Lapointe debuted, did her own thing and stood out among what seems to be an ever growing fashion week (seriously, when did the definition of "week" turn into ten days). Her signature designs are emotional, structural and flawlessly constructed. Oh, and you may have heard, Lady Gaga is a fan. Why wouldn't she be? Lapointe is what is lacking on the American design scene when it comes to runway shows and new lines, and that is a fearless experimental drive to create garments according to her standards without toning it down for the mass market.

Parkchoonmoo

There are many "o's" in Demoo Parkchoonmoo's name. As is there was in her audience with her first show in US for Concept Korea, a collective of Korean designers who showed during the Fall 2011 season of New York Fashion Week. With an industrial design and fashion education, her designs reflect her knowledge with fluid, geometric shapes. She's new to us, but she's been on the forefront of Korean fashion since 1988 with numerous awards to show for it.

Jen Kao

This Kansas native is not brand new. She showed her first collection back in 2008. She moved to New York in 1999 to study studio art and from there developed an interest in textile design. Her collections often include feminine, flowing pieces, constructed leathers and some of the most unique knits I've seen. Her mix of cool and lady-like is something to see more of. She keeps getting better.

Norman Ambrose

Many times new designers lean towards the edgy or downtown side. Not Norman Ambrose. His first presentation for New York Fashion week last Fall was all uptown with tailored coats, long gowns and sophisticated separates. His show landed him on many ones to watch lists for this season. And, yes, he should stay there. His clothes are already on par with the veterans like Salvatore Ferragamo, Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren. It only has to get better from here.

Honorable Mentions:

We're not going to lie. We don't know much about these designers. But we are not going to miss these shows because we are tossing the dice and hoping for something breathtaking, new and exciting.

Katya Leonovich

Bridal? Hmm. Does this mean there is no more Bridal Market Week?

Rolando Santana

The press release says we will fall in love as if we were in Florence on cobble stone streets. Plus he collaborated with Manolo Blahnik for this show. Sounds good.

Angelina Mata Atelier

She's from Texas and that in itself is a reason to go. It couldn't be as bad as the designer who blasted Giant by Dimitri Tominkin on repeat. Please, don't do that to us again.

Christine Alcalay

The invite looked colorful and performance art-ish. Okay. Why not.