HOT TAKE: CHET LO’S FW23 SHOW IS EXACTLY WHERE THE DESIGNER NEEDS TO BE HEADING

by Juliette Eleuterio 7 months ago

by Juliette Eleuterio 7 months ago 3min

Chet Lo has become synonymous with his popcorn knitting technique. His designs, which have been spotted on the likes of Doja Cat and Dua Lipa, are instantly recognizable. Ever since the Asian American’s Fashion East runway debut for SS22 til his recent independent FW23 showing, the popcorn knit has been a hit, but there’s only so many times you can rely on your signature. So what else does Chet Lo have to offer? Well, according to his latest show titled “Bioluminescence”, a lot. Keep reading and you’ll find out.

TAPPING INTO HIS ASIAN HERITAGE

This theme was explored in Lo’s SS23 collection and was continued in this current season. Spinning his own personal twist on the traditional Hanfu, Chet Lo offered an all-black jacket and trousers featuring a satin-like wrap around the chest trailing behind the model. By revisiting traditional garments, Lo offers a more personal look into his design DNA.

IT’S TIME TO MAKE IT DARK

One thing that stood this FW23 collection was Chet Lo’s limited use of colour – specifically its transition into black. While Chet Lo’s previous seasons have been colourful, this time around most of the clothing was black, with only just a few hints of colour. We saw a black hooded popcorn knitted sweater, a black dress that looked like it had been dipped in blue paint at its hemline and cuffs, as well as a pair of flared leather trousers.

NEW MATERIALS

As part of Chet Lo’s evolution, the designer stated he wants to “branch off into different materials this season.” This was seen on a leather jacket and trousers which featured green seamlessly blending in with the leather’s natural black as well as on a ribbed shoulder-cut long sleeve top and its matching skirt.

While Chet Lo has made a name for himself within fashion, notably due to his popcorn knit, the designer knows not to put himself in a box. This season, the Fashion East graduate gave us a dose of our favourite design element of his while also moving his brand forward, showing us he has more to offer. Heading into an edgier version of the Chet Lo image, FW23 was a rebirth for the brand.