Photos by Matthew Passiglia
Lie Sangbong’s S/S16 collection featured light and airy pieces so delicate and fresh they appeared to be floating down the runway. The designer titled this collection Bojagi after the traditional Korean wrapping cloth. As evidenced in his jackets, trench coats and pants, Bojagi features geometric patchwork construction that gives each piece a mosaic effect. The result was purposely metaphorical as well as sartorial. By quilting fabrics together, Mr. Lie was also connecting memories to moments. To further enhance this meaning of connectivity, Mr. Lie collaborated with artist Dong-Shik Roe to create large scale dandelion sculptures for the runway. Constructed of steel stems and cotton seed heads, the dandelions represent a soft delicacy that inspires imagination and rebirth.
The blue and white collection of silks and linen felt especially dreamy. My favorite look was his sleeveless white jumpsuit with plunging neckline. It flowed so elegantly down the runway the entire audience was in a trance for the 30 seconds of its appearance. I also loved his sheer coats with the patchwork overlay in Korean characters. They were whimsical as well as architectural creating a fantastic duality for the wearer. For spring, Lie Sangbong one again mastered the modern lightness he is known for.