In an almost perfect, if not intentional, prelude to International Women's Day on March 8, there was Judy Wu's runway show at London Fashion Week. In it, the London-based designer used two inspiring females as her muses for her Autumn/Winter 2016 collection: Amelia Earhart and Amy Johnson, two aviation pioneers who caught the world's attention by attempting feats that were unheard of for fellow ladies of their time.
The emerging designer channeled Earhart and Johnson's sense of adventure for flight with a series of fluid parachute dresses, harnesses, and tailored aircraft-inspired paneling in a neutral palette of gray, navy, white, and khaki green. The concept was taken a step further with patent leather and rubber details that the Central Saint Martins grad from Shanghai says added a layer of “dominatrix” to the look.
“I used fabrics like nylon, parachute wrapping, and chiffon, so the clothing wrapped and moved in sync with the models,” she said. “Clothes have to work with you. … Whatever the shape, a woman should never shy away from showing their perfect form, and a perfect form comes in many shapes and sizes.”
Before developing her own brand in 2013, Wu worked with fashion houses like House of Holland, Jasmine De Milo and Shanghai's own NE•TIGER. Her goal is consistently to develop clothes for women that embody the confidence and courage of the wearer.
Below are more looks from the show:
All photos by Simon Armstrong and courtesy of Judy Wu Studio.