By Chéye Roberson
Sentinel Correspondent
Designer Grace Kang revealed her latest spring/summer 2016 collection to top clientele and fashion elites at the annual Olivine Gabbro Spring Fashion Runway show on April 7 at its Greenwich Avenue location.
Avril Graham, executive fashion editor for Harper’s Bazaar, who wore a dress from Grace Kang to the Academy Awards ceremony in February, was one fashion leader in attendance.
Kang, Olivine Gabbro’s creative director, said inspiration for this year’s spring/summer collection came from “colors in the Mediterranean—the soft skies and sunsets, the white stone buildings and the fruit from the trees.”
She decided to use vibrant colors and specific textures to capture the spring and summer of 2016 and the emotions she wants her clients to feel when they put the fabrics on.
“I think the spring season is captured in the colors I chose and in the textures and fabrics as well,” Kang said. “I want my clients to feel their absolute best when they step into an Olivine Gabbro piece. I want them to feel radiant, elegant, confident and beautiful from the inside out.”
Samsung caught wind of the momentum for the event, and asked to partner with Olivine Gabbro for the runway show, helping to blend high tech and high fashion.
“All of the tech elements involved were powered and provided by Samsung,” said Patrick Chae, a member of the Olivine Gabbro Team. “This season, Grace created and directed a short story film that the show opened with. Guests were also able to order looks from the runway directly after the show on tablets provided by Samsung. Additionally, Samsung hosted a fantastic after-party reception in the evening so those who could not attend our daytime event could watch the video of our show. It was a very tasteful collaboration.”
Many pieces must come together when organizing the fashion show, such as “creating a full collection, deciding on looks, models, hair and make-up themes, invitations and guest lists, seating, presentation, lighting, music… the list goes on,” said Chae.
According to Chae, choosing the models for the show is no easy task. “Those decisions are always tough; it’s quite the process. We think a lot about height, and which silhouettes would best compliment the collection.”
Chae said that this year’s fashion held a special surprise. “Grace surprised everyone and designed a swimsuit this season. It was simply stunning,” he said.
Kang, a Greenwich resident, said the highlight of the show for her “was that this particular show was dedicated to my clients and how they keep me inspired. I wanted to acknowledge and empower them.”
Kang said she would never forget her biggest supporters and influences going back to her beginnings as a designer. “My family offers so much support in my career and everything that I do,” she said. “I cannot express how grateful I am for that.”
