The Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion Show introduces up-and-coming ready-to-wear and accessory designers to the industry through an event that brings together the experienced industry insiders and the innovative “fresh faces.” Previous designers who have been introduced by the show include Zac Posen, Philip Lim, and Rebecca Taylor. Ann Yee, whose Fall/Winter 2011 collection was modern and textural, lived up to her predecessors and delivered a great show for Spring/Summer 2011 in a soft and fresh color palette of pale grays, accents of yellow, and pops of red! Styled with architectural wire jewelry and head pieces, the collection was the perfect mixture of hard and soft. I (Iris) got to interview Ann Yee about her inspirations, goals, and thoughts behind her collection. She is a definite one-to-watch as her career takes off!
IRIS: What do you feel is the progression/change between this season and last season looks and why?
ANN YEE: The Spring/Summer 2012 collection has a fresh youthful irreverence about that is a departure from last season. This is visible in the color story and the introduction of my very first print. The collection still encompasses my trademark architectural shapes and effortless draping.
IRIS: What was your inspiration?
ANN YEE: I visited the International Center of Photography and saw Wang Qingsong’s, ‘When Worlds Collide’. This exhibit was made up of large scale photographs that were compelling and visually striking. One image in particular, ‘Competition’, was the main source of inspiration for the collection and the driving force behind the print design.
IRIS: Are there any key trends or keypieces that you focused on?
ANN YEE: I felt very strongly for color blocking and pushed it further in this collection. I used it across all my fabrications.
IRIS: What type of girl are you designing for?
ANN YEE: My own personal style is always on my mind when developing a new collection. It’s important that every piece I put out there is something I’d want to wear. But ultimately, I design for a confident woman who isn’t afraid to take risks when it comes to fashion and above all, doesn’t take it too seriously. She’s got to have a sense of humor!
IRIS: What textiles/fabrics did you experiment with?
ANN YEE: I played with various cottons, including voiles and piques alongside the different types of silk I continuously use season to season. I brought viscose and bamboo yarns into the knit story to create soft and interesting textures.
IRIS: What was your goal with this collection?
ANN YEE: I wanted to create an effortlessly feminine collection that carefully balanced construction and fluidity. I strived for wearability, but made sure not to lose any of the detailing that would make each piece unique and stand out.
IRIS: What is your signature look/style?
ANN YEE: It’d have to be a toss up between the BRUCE yin yang dress, which is a great color blocked number with accented dolman sleeves and pockets, making it a definite statement piece or the ENZO layered angles dress which is this season’s signature 3 layer dress (I design one every season) with asymmetric layers of chiffon, creating a dramatic silhouette.
IRIS: Where can people find your work/updates online? Give us any links and important last information.
ANN YEE: Please visit website WWW.ANNYEECOLLECTION.COM! And also become a facebook fan at ANNYEEcollection or follow me on twitter @ayeecollection for all updates!
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Thanks to Ann Yee and Tracy Manner of Think PR for setting up this interview and inviting Chictopia to see the amazing Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion Show! We look forward to seeing more designs from Ann Yee in the future and wish her an illustrious career.
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Thanks for reading!
Everybody Is Ugly by Iris & Daniel
Follow EIU on twitter for more MBFW news! @everybodyisugly
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Runway photos courtesy of Dan Lecca, thanks to Tracy Manner
Additional photos taken by Iris
