Y&Kei: A Sophisticated Vision Full of Counterpoints
By Mari Davis
Photos by Javier Mateo

NEW YORK, Feb 7, 2005/ FW/ --- Sunday afternoon at the tents in Bryant Park, husband and wife team Han-hee Yoon and Jin-young Kang designing under the label Y&Kei presented a wistful collection that combined silver screen goddesses allure with the timeless and revolutionary designs of Paul Poiret and Madame Vionnet.

Sticking to a relaxed silhouette, Y&Kei sent below-the-knee empire dresses in luxe fabrics that include lace that is very girly and frilly, then as counterpoint, paired them with tailcoats, giving it a masculine appeal.

It’s Victor/Victoria, it’s the yin and the yang, and it’s a blend of opposite elements that make each other whole.

A sleeveless fur anorak lined with embossed fabric, a reversible cape in embossed black & white fabric with dolman sleeves, a sheered bias cut mid-calf length gown with an empire waist --- all of these and more demonstrate the design duo’s craftsmanship and mastery of tailoring techniques.

Yet, it is more than just technical expertise. It’s also about a vision on women’s clothing and growing sophistication of their work.

It’s romantic, yet very modern. It’s traditional but very functional, like the kimono-inspired floral dress trimmed with fur at the collar for warmth.

Breaking new grounds in the use of fur, it was used as an embellishment on an empire waist metallic top with a bias cut sheered under an empire waist. Fur was used as a vest and as adornment making it both practical and luxurious.

This collection proves that the 2003 Fashion Group International’s Rising Star winner are no longer rising stars but on top of their craft. Y&Kei has arrived!

Y&Kei

Y&Kei

Y&Kei

Y&Kei