CJ Yao catwalk show report S/S 2016 for LFW

Having recently graduated from the highly reputable Central Saint Martins in London, this designer has already come far, bringing sport luxe back to life, and with a fresh new taste on it.

The models had messy but elaborate French plaits erratically placed over their heads, with random strands falling across their faces. The styling contrasted simple make-up with white-washed eyebrows, cleaning up the look.

The collection began with oversized sports sweaters with large prints on the back, either with numbers or comical statements along the lines of “closing sale, 70% off”. The rest of the pieces were as much fun as the first, having bright coloured stripes breaking up neutral blocks of colour, and metallic detailing to some items, such as zips on jackets.

Every piece was cut to be oversized, but not so that it became masculine; each item of clothing maintained a particular type of femininity about it, of strength and playfulness. Denim and tassels also had a large role in the collection, with boxy denim jackets that were cut-out along the side, temptingly showing skin. There were also paper-bag jeans and trousers that had tassels on some parts of the leg, and gathered pleats on other parts.

Each part of the collection was sport luxe at its finest; Yao has managed to streamline the masculinity and harshness that often comes with this sporty touch, and add a fun streak through it, which manages to work perfectly for her label.

If every collection this (very) young designer does manages to be as fun as this, then not only will the shows be a pleasure to watch, but the clothes themselves will be forever fun to wear – how can you beat fun fashion?

Tamara Massey
Photos: Krish Nagiri