Los Angeles based red carpet designer Kevan Hall, dare I add “legend” to his title as well, partnered up with Japan Airlines for an inspiration trip to explore the ancient artworks of the land. During his nearly two weeks spent in the country, Hall visited an Indigo Dying facility where he extracted the ancient dye from the plants all the way through to dying finished fabric. He also visited a suminagashi dying studio where he created fabrics utilizing 100’s of ancient pigments to create highly intricate marbleized patterns that are one of the hallmarks of Japanese textiles. Finally, Hall learned the art of Kintsugi pottery where finished pieces of earthenware are broken apart & reassembled using Gold metallic joinery to create a piece that is more beautiful than the original.
Upon his return, Kevan created a capsule collection around each of these three techniques he had just immersed himself in on his trip. Hall, however, wasn’t content to simply create a new garment using these ancient techniques. He felt that he should pay homage to some of his most time-tested silhouettes & marry his historic pieces with these ancient art forms with the result being something both storied & modern. Each of the three capsules were put on display in a Chelsea art gallery in three stunning vignettes.
In the back gallery, a documentary telling the story of his trip was on view, along with two vintage looks from his past that were worn by iconic ladies of style. One piece was created during his time at Halston in 1999 and was worn by Charlize Theron & another from his eponymous collection that was made immortal by Vanessa Williams.
The overall mood of the evening was one of celebration… not only of Hall’s partnership with Japan Airlines, but of the marriage of the old with the new, the artwork of Japan with the designs of an American design treasure, & Hall’s return to the NYFW calendar, which has been sorely without him over the last few seasons. The food & drinks were all provided by Japan Airlines with the Moochi Beignettes causing quite the stir… so much so that this observer never got one, as they were all gone by the time I got to the table. Kevan… If you are reading this… DM me… I’ll send you my address.
In all seriousness, this partnership was a wonderful demonstration of what can happen when the best of design is properly nurtured & supported by corporate funds. The beauty that was on display was far more than a simple addition of inspiration & adept design. The results were truly exponential in scope. The American fashion calendar is richer as a result of Kevan Hall being back on the schedule! Thanks Japan Airlines!
-PQ Buckingham
