Bringing together inspirations from two opposite sides of the world, and fusing them into one eye-catching collection is exactly what designer Emilio Sosa did this Fashion Week. The talented and humble Project Runway finalist revealed his highly anticipated debut womens wear collection on February 10, exclusively sponsored by Ford Motor Company. It certainly did not disappoint.
The presentation, held at The Joan Weill Center for Dance at Alvin Ailey Studios, was a prime location for the showcase, away from the jam-packed scene at Lincoln Center. The venue was more intimate and personal, a place that held great meaning for the designer. Sosa had previously been an Assistant Wardrobe Designer for Alvin Ailey, having done about seven ballets with the company. “This is home for me,” he stated.
Sosa, who hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, grew up in New York City and his collection showcases his radiant Latin spirit. To add another layer of flair, Sosa drew inspiration from Memoirs of a Geisha, a novel by American author Arthur Golden, set in Japan during World War II. The two cultures fused seamlessly into each of the 16 pieces in Sosa’s collection. Vibrant hues of fiery reds and intense blues, coupled with shimmering blacks, filled the stage as each model posed for the crowd.
When asked which of the pieces was his favorite, Sosa paused and chuckled saying, “That’s like asking a parent which child is their favorite. They’re all my children. They show who I am as a designer.” His collection features textured dresses, sleek pants, and clean-cut jackets to say the least. Each piece is wearable with an edge, clearly showing the root of the designer’s Latin and Japanese inspirations. Sosa’s presentation captured the essence of the modern woman, taking her from the start of her morning to her day at work, all the way through to her life at night.
The most exciting part of Sosa’s debut collection is just that – it was his debut showcase. It’s guaranteed to only be the beginning of exciting collections to come from the spirited designer. Congratulations to Emilio Sosa.
Check out photographer Mark Salner's photos from the event at Photo FX Studio.
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