DALLAS, May 22, 2007/ FW/ --- As it had been said here before, what is it about comic books that titillate the imagination of fashion designers? BFA Fashion & Textile Design graduate Ven Lai was inspired by manga, the Japanese comic books, specifically the works of Hayao Miyazaki, the celebrated Japanese animator.

To Japanese anime fans, Hayao Miyazaki is a legend. And, though this might be reaching, Ven Lai must be a big fan. Her use of vibrant color on the overgrown flora print and the magical realism of her unconventional execution of flight that was also seen in her prints is characteristic of the anime genre.

Summer ensembles with asymmetrical hemlines and ovate shape dresses were layered with apron dresses, resulting to a quite charming collection.

But, if you are quite taken with this delightful collection, don’t expect to see Ven Lai’s works in a clothing store. The St. Petersburg, Florida native has accepted the position of Associate Creative Designer for General Motors.

Now, that is something to look forward to. Perhaps, we will have manga-inspired cars in the future.

Ven Lai

Ven Lai

Ven Lai