Backstage with the VLOV models

This past September, I was in New York for Fashion Week, an experience that’s wholly gratifying and utterly inspiring. There’s something truly magical about living and breathing fashion in and on its most dynamic stage. Aside from seeing the Spring 2012 collections of some of my favorite designers, I also got to acquaint myself with a few brands making their grand debut at NYFW. One such brand is VLOV, a leading menswear line based in China. Under the creative direction of designer Richard Qingqing Wu, VLOV has built a strong presence in China’s high end retail market, distributing fashion forward but wearable men’s apparel to over 556 boutiques across the nation.

VLOV Spring 2012

The VLOV Spring/Summer 2012 collection is marked by the contours of space and inspired by the fluid lines of automobiles, geometric shapes of modern architecture and the letter “V”. The collection was divided into two color themes, with gray representing introspective elegance while blue and white represented hope. Crisp v-neck tees layered with sharp and well-tailored blazers in muted colors were presented alongside asymmetrical and fitted shirts and jackets. It was refreshing to see style aesthetics representing the modern Chinese man at New York Fashion Week. Judging from VLOV’s warm reception and media attention, this Chinese label may very well be back in New York next season.