VIVIENNE TAM SS2017 Collection

VIVIENNE TAM SS2017 collection is inspired by the vibrant diversity and energy of Houston, Texas, where art, music, culinary arts, science and technology intersect harmoniously in a multicultural cornucopia.

A photo collage of images from backstage taken by Nigel Barker, was projected real-time onto the rear wall, giving an exciting, insider’s glimpse into show preparations. The show opened with a broadcast message by female astronaut Tracy Dyson, from the International Space Station Mission Control, to everyone’s surprise and much applause.

 

Colors are electrifying and powerful such as Astro orange, bayou green, intense coral and NASA blue, offset with black, white, silver and red pieces. Black and white checkerboard patterns of pandas and rodeo symbols is where “Western Cowboy” meets “Eastern Cowboy” and punctuates the collection which is iterated in cotton canvas, crisp cottons, techno-mesh and tie-dyed denim as well as metallic silver denim and fringe embellishments, denoting "Space Cowboy".

Textured overlays and hand-crafted embroideries depict emblems of iconic Houston entities such as NASA, Rice University, Houston Ballet and the Houston Rodeo, translated into collages. The collection also draws upon Houston's ecological diversity, and its flora and fauna; the proliferation of indigenous wild flowers, butterflies, pink spoonbills, armadillos and bayou-outlined patterns are expressed in prints and colorful embroideries.

Silhouettes are fluid, with loose, off the shoulder tops and ruffled sleeves as well as cropped wide-legged pants with pleated or fringed edges. Denim and canvas jackets jand pants are cropped and dresses feature fitted waists and flared skirts with a nod to baby-doll shapes as well as some modern, body-skimming tunics interspersed with metallic thread or teeming with sequins.

Complementing the looks are suede, fringed bags and slip-ons printed with Houston imagery, lending a sporty and free-spirited feel to the collection, brimming with optimism and possibilities.

The inspiration executed Vivienne Tam’s vision of using Houstonian-centric symbols in the collection and multiple emblems harmoniously in one collage, Visit Houston officials facilitated licenses from iconic Houston institutions, which is unprecedented.