Back in black: Amanda Lew Kee showcases dramatic new looks at The Hoxton

Amanda Lew Kee, a Ryerson grad who recently worked with the National Ballet, opted to present her Rogue Fashion Week Fall/Winter show at The Hoxton last night.

The audience assumed there would be a runway show of some sort. Instead, Lew Kee managed to surprise — but not necessarily titillate — with a video presentation. Lew Kee herself stepped into the models’ shoes and strutted her stuff across two adjacent screens as show-goers craned their necks, attempting to suss out what exactly was happening (those in the back had little hope and took to chatting amongst themselves).

Those who could see were fed a diet of black-on-black (which seemed spot on judging by the lack of colour we spotted around the room). With the collection completely comprised of separates, Lew Kee chose to play with texture, shape and layers. Some of the designer’s strongest work has been in black, so we were pleased to see her return to her forte.

Waists were both high and dropped; a dress starring a leather fringe skirt managed to feel futuristic while referencing the roaring ‘20s. Standout pieces included a felted wool-cashmere jacket — with fox-fur sleeves — and a zipper-fronted blouse that matched stretch cotton, satin and mesh.

While we appreciated Lew Kee’s unconventional approach to her show, it’s impossible to get a true feel for clothes from a screen (especially since she’s had construction issues in the past); a marriage of the tangible and the non would likely have been a better — and more truthful — bet.

Amanda Lew Kee is stocked by Jacflash (1036 Queen St. W., 416-516-8766) and a2zane.com

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO