Past, Present, & Structure

Spring fashion tends to introduce new inventions and trends for fashion. It turns into a form of art and sometimes more. But this year’s theme has brought a change of sorts from some of our designers. This designer particularly brought the past and fused it with our current times. They are doing so with structure in mind.

Structure is not necessarily a common theme to capture. Typically speaking, structure is anything already built or having a particular way of being built. When asking Justin Le on his definition of structure he said, “Structure to me is having visible pieces that look as if they can stand on their own.” Then he proceeded to point out the particular pieces that resemble his idea of structure, the dinosaur tail, the paper hat, and the collar. “Very cool to manipulate the form of things” is the note Le ended on. An interesting take on structure no doubt. Le does not conform to the repetitive narrative of having to consistently create and build something new. Instead, he uses past items thought to be forgotten or purposely left behind and reanimates them.

Speaking of animation, the models definitely helped execute Le’s vision. On the runway each model committed a child-like act, each corresponding to their look. The first to walk down wore grey slacks, a white short sleeved top, with the addition of a cropped poncho. Lastly on top, the white triangular hat stood. The earth colors blended in within the business appeal it gave as well. When the model walked to the end, out of nowhere he pulled out a spyglass telescope and looked through it. A fun gesture that really expressed the look with the earth tones and the hat. When the second model came around in overalls there were heart patches sewed all over the front. The front was very fun to look at, however once the model passed an interesting surprise awaited everyone. The model then posed facing the side showing off a dinosaur tail. Another shock factor making everyone take a second look. Lastly, the last model held the biggest surprise. In the arms of the model, they held a child size teddy bear. Before walking down the runway he gave a little shake of excitement. Everyone was awed at every design Le offered.

I asked which of the three did he considered his magnum opus and fascinatingly, Le said each of them would be his best. He would not choose any one of them singularly. It is obvious Le is very proud of his work. The fact he could not place one on a highest pedestal goes to show how much thought he puts into his work. This is also clearly seen by everyone else. Even though Jusitn Le had only three designs, each executed a powerful look and performance. The audience was never more engaged with the design until Le presented his work.

Le is currently a sophomore majoring in chemistry. When I asked how he initially got into designing or an interest in fashion. His grandmother was a seamstress which initially caught his attention and went on to attending high school in uniforms. To Le fashion and design was a way to express himself. Even though his major is chemistry, Le stated he takes TXA courses and does not let his major define him. For plans nearing or after graduation, Le had yet to have a definite answer. However, he is still a sophomore with many years and opportunities ahead of him. Yet, given his work and history, it is obvious to guess that Le will continue to design so everyone can anticipate what Le has to offer next.