Suzanne Rae
10/02/12
Suzanne Rae
Rachel Capper
Parsons school of design graduate Suzanne Rae not only holds design credentials, but an economics degree from Bryn Mawr College where she studied art history and women’s studies. Suzanne Rae began her professional career in the New York art gallery scene, which transcended to design ateliers of Costume National in Milan and Morgane Le Fay in New York. Based in Brooklyn, Rae’s line is made for the progressive and contemporary woman; she does this by adopting a feminine look with a feminist attitude.
Inspired by 19th century Japan for her Spring/Summer 2012 collection, the aesthetic was romantic but quirky and masculine. Although the models swept down the runway in billowing silk dresses, the feminine look was drawn back with dark sunglasses and Tai chi slippers; evoking a comfortable but ethereal guise. Working with photographer Renato D’Agostin to craft pixilated prints to use for her garments infused a consideration of colours worthy of a Japanese garden.
Rae is capable of producing traditional garments but adding modernity with the construction; by taking fine and natural fabric and ensuring draping and patterns are tailored to expose the natural form of femininity. Showing a skirt that embodies her feminine but feminist vision was not difficult when the mullet skirt separated both visions; from a short front to a cascading length of fabric at the back, it was beautiful but practical.
Suzanne Rae’s design brief is delicate and powerful but has a fierceness that is capable of repelling assumptions of its beauty.
Inspired by 19th century Japan for her Spring/Summer 2012 collection, the aesthetic was romantic but quirky and masculine. Although the models swept down the runway in billowing silk dresses, the feminine look was drawn back with dark sunglasses and Tai chi slippers; evoking a comfortable but ethereal guise. Working with photographer Renato D’Agostin to craft pixilated prints to use for her garments infused a consideration of colours worthy of a Japanese garden.
Rae is capable of producing traditional garments but adding modernity with the construction; by taking fine and natural fabric and ensuring draping and patterns are tailored to expose the natural form of femininity. Showing a skirt that embodies her feminine but feminist vision was not difficult when the mullet skirt separated both visions; from a short front to a cascading length of fabric at the back, it was beautiful but practical.
Suzanne Rae’s design brief is delicate and powerful but has a fierceness that is capable of repelling assumptions of its beauty.
(images courtesy of www.suzannerae.com)