Poetry in asymmetry
MANILA, Philippines - Asymmetry, fleeting volumes, asymmetrical cuts and draping are the leitmotifs in Liu Jo’s latest collections.
Every item becomes extremely contemporary, suitable for versatile women, while the fabric mix and the combination of matt and glossy finishes give a very personal touch.
The color palette resonates with neutral and sophisticated shades — white cotton, rainy day, ciottolo and cinder, baby and dark-gray green — played down with determined overtones such as eclipse, sky blue and lemon peel.
The true must-have for the “Poetic Asymmetry” theme is the chamois sleeve item that turns into a different alternative to jacket and jerseys to match with the dresses. The chemise-jacket is available as the new summer sleeve item and may be worn also on the bare skin, while the feminine leather jacket comes with a laser finish. The loose and baggy trousers perfectly combine with tighter fits and the iconic summer shorts, while (among the skirts) the eternal and unmistakeable longuette/pencil skirt stands out.
The return to spontaneity and nature are interpreted in the “Raw Allure” theme by a fluctuating-volume silhouette that draws flirtatious and elegant femininity. The dresses and skirts are longer, meant for women who give up their high heels in favour of ultra-flat sandals, and who want to feel free by matching flowery and animal prints with macramé finishes that seem to leap right right out of Grandmother’s chest. The iconic element to the collection is the dragonfly: developed as appliqué, brooch, detail or print. The colors, too, are one with nature: the shades range from ciottolo, malto and drab gray and blend with traditionally summery overtones.
Meanwhile, a vibrant, unique street-glam style by Liu Jo Jeans heats up this season’s collection. The feminine, glamorous allure in the easy, everyday settings of its jeans collection is embodied by a street couture soul and a basic, comfortable image with a romantic twist.
The style is streetwise with a sprinkle of couture, right for those who live in the city and need practical, comfortable, not too daring items. This view inspires a fresh, romantic, sexy collection that, at first glance, looks deceitfully basic but is in fact embellished by features that make it stand out and easily recognizable: first and foremost are the scarves with their patterns repeated on straight mini-dresses and blouses, simply clinched at the waist by a thin leather belt.
The other outstanding detail is the ribbon, featured on T-shirts that enhance the waistline and on the urban-chic trenches as details at the back of the belt. Then, mini and maxi stripes and polka dots play together on a range of dresses and tops of well-measured proportions. The night collection lights up, strong and sophisticated, in glamorous touches and animal prints.
The undisputed stars of the denim collection are two: the bottom-up boot cut and the bottom-up skinny tight styles. The first one is a tightly-fitting, medium-rise, slightly flared style that combines practicality with glamour, the other one is a low-rise style, with skinny legs zipped at the bottom and back, perfect to flaunt a sexy body. Romantic, poetic and nearly retro features, such as lace and macramé, are mixed with denim to soften it down, looking like islands on a jacket, as dancing ends on a satin top, appliquéd on to a shirt or as floral accents in the yoke of a shirt.
The romantic trend goes on with one of the most beloved symbols: the heart. Pearls are played down by matching them with denim in the most classic Chanel-style jacket. Then, all eyes are on two skirt styles that are so “now”: the bottom-up mid-thigh miniskirt in pure Twiggy style, and the rampy bottom-up maxi-skirt, a more classic, more down-to-earth high-rise version.
To complete the season’s wardrobe, take your pick of Liu Jo accessories (such as shoes and bags) made with hyper feminine details that accurately define every item and make them simply special.
Liu Jo’s latest collections are available at its store in Ayala Center, Cebu.
All about theme-work: Asymmetrical cuts and draping are parts of the theme of Liu Jo’s latest collections: 1) skinny tight jeans and shirt embellished with lace; 2) loose and baggy trousers with matching top and light cardigan; 3) the dragonfly developed as appliqué, brooch, detail or print; 4) asymmetrical hemline worn with skinny leg Capri; 5) dress with asymmetrical cut; and 5) long dress ideal for ultra-flat sandals. 
