The dictionary definition of runway fashion reporting has recently been amended to the act of taking and posting an Instagram picture.
Edgy designer Yang Li utilized the new world order to his advantage by printing the product description ‘silk’ on a shirt – to lend journalists a helping hand – one of a number of looks throughout the show that featured sheer, raw, frayed tees worn over T-shirts with text.
Yang Li’s latest offering played out like the Pinterest board of Urban Outfitters devotees everywhere – or the wardrobe ‘money shot’ of the Upper East Side trust fund belle in possession of the keys to her hedge fund manager father’s fortune.
The designer perfected his knack for mixing a grungy, gritty look with a more structured, polished flair, through pieces including layered mini shorts with unfinished hems, asymmetric coats and oversized boxy men’s shirts in brown and black.
Chiffon was key in the designer’s collection for spring, a standout look featuring a sheer overlay on top of a white tee with the word ‘BORE’ on the front and ‘DOM’ on the black, teamed with a striking billowy black floor-length full skirt.
Another crowd pleaser was a strapless black, sweeping floor-length ball gown, styled masterfully with a chiffon men’s shirt sitting over one shoulder.
An oversized plaid men’s shirt worn over a silvery grey long accordion-pleat long skirt added a dose of Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ rock star cool to the mix, as did the application of reams of chiffon to otherwise minimalist dresses and jackets.
Leather tops and denim separates were peppered into the assortment, allowing the designer to showcase a sharper silhouette against a predominantly floaty offering.
For those evenings when you’re not listening to the latest indie band at Arlene’s Grocery in the Lower East Side, you might consider donning Li’s sophisticated strapless black ball gown, half of which was covered in black and white plaid – a not-so-subliminal message about your true roots.
While Urban Outfitters remains the hipster mecca for early 20-somethings, Yang Li’s lineup of grungy romantic pieces will enable the more financially well-heeled fashionista to purchase a slice of the subculture for a more grown-up look that certainly doesn’t smell like teen spirit.
