NOVA CHIU | SPRING / SUMMER 2013

The Nova Chiu brand was set up by Nova herself upon graduating from London College of Fashion in 2011. She won the prestigious award for Collection of the Year at her graduate press show in June that year.

Since then, and after much deliberation, Nova decided to join forces with her designer boyfriend, Jeff Archer. The couple met while interning with Anna Sui and presented their debut show under Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s Ones to Watch show at London Fashion Week Fall / Winter 12. After the success of their previous collection the duo returned this season to present their Spring / Summer offerings.

As with the previous season, Nova Chiu presented a colourful collection of clashing fabrics and drew upon the ideas of nature and a more urban scape. First to hit the runway were a collection silk ensembles in fuchsias, aquamarine blues and greens. Blue beads hung in tassels from sleeves and hemlines while patterned legginess completed many of the collections standout looks.

The heavy brocade embellishments from Fall / Winter 2012 weren’t lost and came in the form of heavily detailed shoes and statement costume jewellery. Spring / Summer was a far more wearable collection than the almost costume-like presentation of the previous season. Structured and masculine jackets came in luxurious silks and flattering loose-fitting crop tops were teamed up with matching high-waisted harems.

Flowing fabrics draped effortlessly over models’ figures and came with cut out side detailing, thigh-high slits and jagged hemlines. Figure hugging pencil skirts were ankle-grazing and were followed by Asian inspired kimono jackets with detailed button fastenings. Gauze ruffles sat in striking contrast to smoother materials.

Neon yellows and blues popped giving a sort of nu-rave edge to an otherwise sophisticated yet playful collection. Overall Nova Chiu is a brand to keep an eye on for the seasons to come.

- Ellen Stewart