Ivy h.

Written by Dana Karlson
20.01.2010

I first met Hawaiian-raised designer Ivy Higa several years ago in Manhattan, and have been a faithful follower ever since.  Though it’s been my little secret for some time, the cats officially out of the bag with her Spring/Summer 2010 presentation at New York Fashion Week this past September.  Ivy is based in New York, where she meticulously designs each collection, drawing inspiration from the far corners of the globe.  Ivy studied at the prestigious Parsons School for Design in New York, and then trained at Lafayette 148 New York under Edward Wilkerson before starting her own line right out of the her East Village flat.  To watch her sketch and hear her discuss influences, moods and materials, there is no doubt that fashion is a labour of love for the designer.

Spring 2010 focuses on ‘wearable art,’ fluid separates that convert from day to evening with a cuffed trouser or rolled sleeve.  As usual there is an emphasis on intricate detailing specifically reverse structure, ensuring that your exit is just as enthralling as your entrance.  Ivy was inspired by Japanese Akari lamps, translating the delicate lanterns into pale nude hues in billowing silhouettes.

We won’t disclose the details of her Autumn/Winter 2010 collection just yet, as we want some photos to support our claims, but from what we’ve seen it is quite the fashion journey.  Stay tuned…

For more information on Ivy h., visit the designer’s web site www.ivyh.net.

We will be twisting in the mirror to take in this back-detailing.

We cannot which we like more: the stark white party number on the left, or the silky pearl-peach combo on the right.