LFW Diary AW12: Nova Chiu

A designer I first came across at the LCF graduation show last summer, it was great to catch up with Nova Chiu at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout exhibition. Showcased as one of their ‘Ones To Watch’ for AW12 Chiu’s designs are the personification of embellishment.

Taking inspiration from her own graduate offering, ‘Shangri-Ladida’ – which won the coveted LCF ‘collection of the year’ – Chiu fuses the traditional heritage of ethnic tribes from the Shangri-La region of China with New York influences of hip hop street fashion and neon brights courtesy of collaboration partner Jeff Archer.

 

Using fur and embroidered netting to create structured shapes, pleating and netting plays a pivotal role as does patchwork. A true juxtaposition of East and West, Nova is a very exciting emerging designer indeed.