Leroy Nguyen has revealed why his collection for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA) is a little more “grown up” this year.
Designer: Leroy Nguyen
Label: Leroy Nguyen
Collection title: Blue Rose
MBFWA runway show: Tuesday, April 8, 12pm.
How would you describe the overall theme/look of your MBFWA collection?
It was really important for me to produce a collection that is sharp and clean, with killer pieces that are wearable but very directional. Sharp tailoring, clean lines, luxe fabrications, vivid prints and elements of sport come together to produce a collection which is very market ready but distinctively Leroy Nguyen.
Where did the inspiration for the collection come from?
It started with the tale of the blue rose from Guillermo del Toro’s film Pan’s Labyrinth, where countless men strive and fail in gaining immortality. That developed into a back-story of how we live day-to-day in these intense city environments and a constant, subconscious yearning for a connection back with nature. This narrative as well as various characters in the film helped in the development of prints and shapes within the collection.
What are the key fabrics, colours and/or prints used throughout?
Metallic black and navy suiting is used alongside various pastel shades of hydro-mesh. There are four key prints within the collection that are used on lycra, hydro-mesh, luxurious silk twills and silk organza. The prints are my modern take on two trends; floral and crocodile.
Describe the construction details.
Sharp cuts feature prominently with wearable structure, lots of sports referenced bias bind finishings and exposed metal zips.
Are there any particular styles that feature more prominently?
The cut line of hems across quite a few of the garments references the undulating shape of rose petals. I feel it’s one of the signature styles for this collection.
How many pieces will be included in your MBFWA collection?
37
Which garments feature more heavily?
I’d say it’s pretty even across the board. It’s always important for me to offer up a variety of separates and total looks for my girl to choose from. Being summer, I did pay attention to making sure there were enough mini dresses and skirts to suit everyone’s taste.
Hero pieces or favorites?
They’re not necessarily hero pieces, but I had a lot of fun working on the printed maxi skirts and maxi dress within the collection as they introduce new shapes and volumes that I have never worked with before.
How would you sum up your MBFWA collection?
I worked on the collection with two muses in mind who I think perfectly embody the collection. They are characters from Pan’s Labyrinth. The character of Mercedes was my main muse. She is the perfect mix of soft, feminine strength and hard-edged masculinity. Throughout the film she is so ferocious and fearless but also completely vulnerable at the same time. A little bit of Ofelia’s character helped inject some fantasy and whimsy into the mix.
How does this collection compare to your previous Fashion Week collection?
I feel it’s a little more grown up this year in terms of cut and shape with some new and interesting fabrics that I’ve never worked with before. Print and colour still play an integral part in giving the collection a fresh and youthful edge. For me it’s always important to design for my perfect woman, adhering to the codes of youthful maturity, which is so perfect for the Leroy Nguyen girl.