New York designer Richard Gien has created an exclusive collection for contemporary Japanese women. Joyously labelled as “Almost All Year Round”, the line of designs revolves around the basic concept of fusing all four seasons into one—much like the symbol of continuity inherent in completing one full circle.
Richard Gien designed the collection with a specific group of women in mind—young to mature women who are accomplished career women and domestic goddesses. With a unique graphic approach, the designs are highlighted in an eclectic and playful way, resulting in an appealing combination of pieces. The collection strongly suggests that clothes should be worn in very versatile ways for any conceivable occasion, from having social lunches to executive business meetings or grocery shopping to dinner parties. The silhouettes are simple, soft and yet sophisticated. To achieve maximum versatility, all one has to do is complement the pieces with a tasteful blend of accessories.
The collection showcases a spectrum of designs such as playful silk dresses, youthful knitwear or timeless “masculine” black business suits (with a feminine touch evidenced in the silk satin linings). The fabrics are cashmere, linen/cotton, and silk. Silk is the main character in this collection.
In Richard’s opinion, there is a strong tendency for women to disguise their outer selves to create an impression, which may override their inner qualities. His silk linings speak to the feminine energy of each woman even as she dresses to appear as a professional in the traditionally male-domiinated world of business.
He states, “One feels a great comfort wearing these softly-lined garments for long hours.” In addition, silk creates a better fall of the material to create a lovely shape. without sacrificing elegance and beauty, silk provides one of the cornerstones of the “Almost All Year Round” concept, being cool in the summertime and warm in the winter. Colors in the collection are vibrant candy colors including apple green, apricot, orange-red, black and white.
Poetic names are given to the distinctive dresses, suits, and accessories to ensure better appreciation and understanding of the designer’s intention in creating them.
Just to mention a few, there’s the creme brulee “Super Girl” knitted dress, the pale pink “Princess” silk satin dress and “Janet’s” black silk georgette suit (named after a very dear and successful friend). To enhance these creations, a series of vintage handmade accessories, stylishly re-designed, is available to bring out the essence of each piece. These artisan accessories metamorphose from exquisite to playful depending on the outfits they adorn. The concept of the accessories is beautifully woven into the mission of the collection itself: unique self-expression. The possibilities are endless; one needs to search no further than this delightful collection for her entire wardrobe. Examples include “Ribbon Knight” raffia with painted porcelain, which can be worn to create four different effects, “Josephine Baker” raffia pineapple brooches and “Happy Rabbit” raffia earrings (limited edition, produced in Italy in the 1950s).
Richard captured the essence of his collection when he said:
“I want my good, simple and sincere intentions to reach out to women who want to feel and express love, nurturing, peace and happiness. I want them to experience the joy of living in total balance and expressing higher emotions by wearing and experiencing these beautiful clothes.
OK! Thank you and domo to my Japanese women clients. I’m pleased to introduce my very first collection in Japan.”
