fanciful prints created a circus frenzy

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.

pink bloomers and mini vest are winners with matching scarf and napkins

silk babydolls looked whimsical and breezy

hooded jumpsuits were runway favorites

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.

vintage-inspired dresses a la ultra modern twists

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.

colorful animal prints and stripes made bold appearances

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.

transparent layers echoed springtime chic

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.

strapless dress with smocked bodice is a spring must-have

sexy shoulder-revealing cuts offset cutesy designs

asymmetrical wraps and big bows put on a show

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.

fitted black trenchcoat with elephant belt rings

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.

long falls over shoulders appeared ultra-feminine

green bandanas and nautical colors do mix!

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!

designer Joy Han and model featuring dress with obi belt

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

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