Anna Sui Fall 2021

“I feel like we’re waiting for that moment again, that explosion of creativity and color and activity, that’s what the collection was about,” Anna Sui revealed during a preview of fall. In the background, the designer’s mood board is a seasonal treasure trove of printed fabric swatches, illustrations, retro movie and band posters and loads of color  depicted a transition from black and white to full-on, colorful psychedelia.

For fall, Sui was directly inspired by the 1968 film “Wonderwall,” produced by George Harrison. Within the film, a scientist  who lives a “boring existence and is trapped in this very traditional lifestyle” discovers a light shining through his wall, which he follows and discovers a Swinging Sixties model played by Jane Birkin, with a dazzling lifestyle. Her rainbow-colored, fantastic existence, seen through her dress and decor  particularly a singular, whimsy wardrobe cabinet sharply contrasts with his “colorless existence.” Sui noted that all of the sets and costumes for the film were designed by The Fool, who also created The Beatles’ Apple Boutique.

Seeing the mirror image of “Wonderwall” and today’s static, “on pause” world, Sui whipped up a fantastical collection that translated from black-and-white to an explosion of exuberant colors and patterns, depicting an optimistic look toward the future. Like the original, Sui’s psychedelic look book film displayed models emerging from a bright wardrobe cabinet, painted by Sarah Oliphant, head-to-toe in “Phantasmadelic” outfits.First up, a grouping of texturally, and visually, rich plays on black and white, with contrasting prints and graphics piled together. For instance, a chunky windowpane tweed coat atop “wavy-vibe” cropped turtleneck, vest and pull-on pant or cowhide patterned shearling jackets atop Lurex striped layersAs the world emerges from the pandemic, Sui’s fashions are ready for the party on the other side.

Photos courtesy of Anna Sui Instagram

By Kristen Glover

Social Media: kris_fashionista