Voom Spring 2007 Collection by Joy Han - Joyride

The Voom by Joy Han Spring 2007 Collection, aka Le Carnaval International de Rue, was certainly a joyride while it lasted! Beginning with a hypnotic mime act, the fashions came rolling in like a true circus spectacle. The models were dolled up in fanciful silk dresses and vibrant pastel bloomers, parading the most darling animal prints and cartoon character motifs I've seen in awhile. Outfits ranged from pretty evening dresses with vintage embossing to funky combinations of casual streetwear with cutesy twists such as patent obi belts and charming bubble sleeves.

These designs are a surefire hit for the fashionably chic in search of a refreshing spring wardrobe. Winners on the runway were the sporty denim bloomers, crayola-colored baby doll dresses, short jumpsuits with old school characters peeking out from hood linings and the patent leather fetish boots with blue stripes and cute little napkins wrapped around midsections.

    

Each outfit displayed a unique look of its own, differentiating from each other due to Han's clever accessorizing and outstanding color combinations. I fell in love with the vintage-inspired patchwork dress in complementary white, lime, baby blue and salmon. The model's oversize shades and sleek hairdo with sideswept bangs and long falls punched up the mod undertones.

Another favorite was the sporty grey and navy striped jumpsuit paired with a bubblegum pink visor. The transparent yellow sleeveless dress over a red undergarment had a slipshod appeal, perfect for lounging at a teahouse with girly panache.

    

Aside from reviving beloved childhood cartoon characters a la Raggedy Ann & Andy, the Voom spring collection was reminiscent of the wildly hip Harajuku Lovers clothing line. Gift bags even treated everyone to a very Harajuku-ish ribbed tank with floral trimming.  The circus theme worked well with its noteworthy influences, reintroducing the smocked bodice and A-lines in entertaining designs.

 

Silk dresses displaying cute pajama prints with cinched hems looked very pretty baby.  The subtle sexiness of shoulder-revealing cuts and asymmetrical wraps were also bonus points to Han's originality.  Babydolls with big solid bows on collars balanced out decorative skirts.

A short black trench and a blue hooded jumpsuit were neatly cinched with ivory elephant belt rings, adding contrast and flair to seemingly plain outfits. Red and blue buttons embellished dresses and pants while kitschy green bandanas reinforced the circus-y streak with attitude.

Han's creations are a very interesting fabrication of her mix-and-match sensibility. The results are wonderful and surprisingly tasteful. Her clothing line is eye candy for the masses. Her innovative designs together with everyday functionality makes fashion fresh again for young women. Whether dressing for a dinner date or taking care of business, these styles can be worn day in and day out.

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed Joy Han's carnival-meets-circus show. It was actually my first visual encounter with clothing designs by the Korean American designer and I'm proud to say that I already consider myself to be a diehard fan. I visited the LA Voom store on Melrose over the weekend and discovered more delightful clothing and accessories. On a side note, I had the good fortune of sitting front row next to budding actress Nina Skyy, who told me she was absolutely "lovin' it" during the show. Apparently, I'm not the only one ready for polka dots, stripes, rainbow colors and animal fever this spring!

 

 

 

 

 

photographs by Darren Eskandari and Kris Kim of S-Mode Entertainment