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Maria Chen: "Established 2000"
By: Boyd Davis
Photography by Javier Mateo
"Established 2000" is the title of Maria Chen's Spring 2001 Collection.
"It was inspired by Dandyism from the French Revoloution."
Established 2000 is hardly the equivalent of the American Urban Wear which is defined by the
American pop culture.
Instead of crisp assymetric lines, Maria Chen's collection featured
ruffles, prints and crystal appliques. Romantic urban wear!
"Combining cult credibility with established commercial success, experimental
construction and textile development is at the heart of Maria Chen's philosophy.
Combining modernity with history and drama with softness, Spring 2001 is Chen's
third collection but her first on schedule show.
Conceptual, hip and with a cult following, Maria Chen continues to fascinate
her clients with her interpretations of notions surrounding history, economic
structures and gender roles and translating them to garments.
Born (1972) and raised in St. Louis, MO, Maria Chen studied at Parsons School of Design in New York,
before going to Central St. Martin's in London for her MA in Fashion Design.
After
graduation, instead of returning to the U.S., Maria Chen decided to stay in London and launched
her label in 1998.
Even before her debut at London Fashion Week on-schedule show during the Spring 2001 season,
Maria Chen is already an established commercial success.
Her aged, hand printed, bleached
or shredded fabrics produce very feminine looks that is both directional and historical.
A technical master, Maria Chen likes to experiment with cutting and construction of garments.
Combine that with textile development, the result is a highly individualized design and style.
Maria Chen
Maria Chen
Maria Chen
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