 | The October 2004 New York Fashion Week played like a coming out party for Boy Wonder Richard Chai, who, after designing for Marc Jacobs and revamping a tired TSE, was finally able to showcase his talents in a line that bore his name. While that first collection tended towards the minimal, subsequent lines have showcased more intricate, detailed pieces; quilting, cartridge pleats, peplums and origami insets have all been featured, though the overall look remains sophisticated, wearable and quietly feminine. Chai also has a penchant for fabrics and, as was evident in his previous work, muted colors: Grays, whites, tans and pale mint have been favorites for spring, while ivory, eggplant, brown, navy and bottle green dominated a recent fall collection. Silks are mixed with wools, gossamer voile with organza, and twill with georgette for a "futuristic romantic" look.. |