Nova Chiu

I have Papercut Magazine's Mad About Hue editorial to thank for my recent discovery of emerging fashion label Nova Chiu.

The eponymous designer's multitude of fashion experiences began primarily with her studies at the Camberwell College of Art and Design in 2006. The following year marked her enrollment at the London College of Fashion for a BA in Fashion Design Technology Surface Textiles. After internships with prestigious labels Matthew Williamson and Richard Nicoll, Nova's education went on hiatus due to financial constraints and she went to New York City to intern with Anna Sui and then fashion production company K&G Fashion. In 2010, Nova returned to London to finish her studies.

With the help of new boyfriend Jeff Archer (later taking on the additional role of business partner), Nova created her graduate collection: Shangri-Ladida, which was crowned Collection of the Year.

The Nova Chiu label grew from Shangri-Ladida and debuted at London Fashion Week for the Autumn/Winter 2012-2013 season under the wing of Vauxhall Fashion Scouts' Ones to Watch.

Nova Chiu incorporates a playful juxtaposition of materials and textures, exotic colors and prints for an avant-garde look that takes on an unparalleled exoticism.

Silhouettes are simple and loosely defined to instead spotlight subtler details that mesh together in garments and accessories that tell individual, multilayered stories.

Each creation is distinctly modern but does not fear to stir up a vintage feel.

Images from the Nova Chiu website

The consistent aesthetic of Nova's work incites much enthusiasm about the ways in which the label will evolve over the span of future collections. She will have to stay loyal to the signature she has introduced for herself yet find ways to reinterpret this foundation for each subsequent season. I have no doubt that she has the ability to take on such a challenge that any designer must face.