From left to right: Prince Waldemar, Sue Wong and Prince Mario Max Shaumburg Lippe
HOLLYWOOD, (LA Elements) 10/23/2015- “Sue’s not just implementing beauty, magic and transformation in all of her gowns that she designs”, says British action film star Max Ryan in his formal introduction of Sue Wong at the opening night of LA Fashion Week. “She lives her own mantra every second of every day and touches the world with her alchemy of beauty and self-realization.”
Art Hearts Fashion presented Alchemy and Masquerade, Sue Wong’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection at the Taglyan Complex on October 5, 2015. This is the second time that Art Hearts Fashion presented Wong’s latest collection and once again, this event was standing room only.
After Ryan’s introduction, Wong took to the runway to receive a plaque and proclamation from the California State Legislature recognizing her ‘excellence in fashion and design’. A special recognition award from Prince Waldemar (a great-grandson of King Frederick Vlll of Denmark) and his spouse, Princess Antonia, was also presented to Sue Wong by Prince Waldemar himself. “Dear Sue, I am so happy that I can give you in the name of my family Shaumberg-Lippe this award for your fantastic work. I have met many queens in Denmark, in Europe, because I am related to them, but you are the most fantastic fashion queen and that is why I am very happy to give you this award.”
Following the presentation of both awards was a dance performance by Prince Waldemar and Princess Antonia’s son, Prince Mario Max Shaumberg Lippe. Set to the music of Phantom of the Opera by Harajuku, the prelude to Alchemy & Magic received an overwhelming and enthusiastic welcome from the capacity crowd.
Prince Mario Max Shaumberg Lippe opens Alchemy & Masquerade
There were 79 dresses that cascaded down the runway in Alchemy & Masquerade, a show with nine distinctive sectors. Showcased throughout this extravaganza were designs emblematic of Wong’s signature style and designs entering into the realm of the fantastical.
Alchemy
The music from Lesiem may have been electronica/new age but the fashion was heavy metal. From spiky helmets and shoulder accouterments on strapless flowing gowns to sheath dresses with geometric motifs glimmering with a pewter tone, these were among the standouts in this segment.
Etherea
Flowing chiffon, intricate beadwork, ultra-feminine and intrinsically the embodiment of a Sue Wong design.
Arcana
The tea length dress with pleated skirt and lace overlay and full-length dress with tiered skirt were crowd favorites.
Chrysalis
Full-length gowns in colors of sand, taupe and champagne dominated the Chrysalis segment of Alchemy & Masquerade
Duality
The favorable response for this design which utilized a geometric motif, was no optical illusion.
Metamorphosis
The most vibrant portion of Alchemy & Masquerade saw a rainbow palette of colors.
Kaleidoscope
Full-length gown, plunging illusion neckline and back and jet bead detailing, this was yet another crowd favorite.
Faustus
Inspired by the German legend of the man who sold his soul to darkness in exchange for knowledge and pleasure, not surprising that this segment shone a spotlight on designs that had the essence of the preternatural.
Transformation
Whites and ivories were the dominant hue in the last segment of Alchemy & Magic. Generous use of tulle and lace could be seen on several designs.
Following the final portion of Alchemy & Masquerade was a thundering performance of The Phantom of the Opera by Michael Peer.
The finale of the first night of LA Fashion Week concluded with Wong taking to the runway surrounded by her models, Prince Waldemar and Prince Mario Max Shaumberg Lippe. Once again, Wong had created the most talked about show of LA Fashion Week.
All headdresses for Alchemy & Masquerade were designed by Sue Wong, Rocky Gathercole-For the Stars, Maritza Regalado-Atzi Designs, Kicka Custom Design and What a Betty.
Official charitable sponsor of Art Hearts Fashion was AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Art Hearts Fashion was produced by Eric Rosette in association with Parker Whitaker Productions
All photography by Ed Melliza. To see more of Ed Melliza’s work please visit his Facebook and follow him on Instagram @fashionstylistphotographer
Cover photo of Yuliya Dudenko. Headdress by What a Betty
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