VLOV – QingQing Wu (吴青青) Spring 2013: A lighter sophomore effort

After skipping last season, Chinese designer QingQing Wu (right) returned to Lincoln Center for the Spring 2013 New York Fashion Week collections.
(all photos by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)

A significant improvement from QingQing Wu’s previous New York Fashion Week menswear attempt was on display at this season’s show. Gone are the majority of somber hues that weighed his last VLOV collection down with sobriety. For Spring 2013, Wu chose a more balanced mix of light blues and grays along with the traditional navy and black ubiquitous on any men’s runway.

However, even the darker toned offerings had a lightness to them thanks to the materials used. Linen, silk, cotton and polyester – with the occasional slick of leather – made their way into slim-cut jackets, blazers, cardigans and shirts, all paired with equally sleek trousers and shorts. Wu himself remarked that he drew his inspiration from “tranquility and the serene sense of calmness.”

While the tailoring and details were sharp (zippered pockets on one blazer and an impeccable light gray suit come to mind), nothing in particular jumped out in terms of originality. This is a safe collection, one that is very wearable.

Video: VLOV – QingQing Wu Spring 2013