Oh and the peacock feathered suit was killer. See it, and our other favorite looks from backstage at the presentation, below.
Their inspiration for this collection revolves around capturing the joyous spirit of being provocatively unconventional in "professional" settings. The experimentation with metallics and tinfoils creates a captivating sense of accessible yet delightful glamour. Impeccably tailored capris take on a whimsical low-waisted twist, while audaciously large key hair accessories add a playful touch to elegant dresses and skirt sets. The presence of stripes, blues, and yellows gives the collection a subtle nautical vibe.
What truly sets Lucky Jewel apart is their unwavering commitment to the DIY ethos, as evidenced by their unconventional use of materials such as foam, mesh, tyvek, and vinyl. They seamlessly blend casual and tailored elements, subverting classic silhouettes to create looks that could almost pass as suitable for a professional setting. In essence, Lucky Jewel has established its own "professional dress code," sending a powerful message that the ultimate dress code is to feel good and be true to oneself.
Terrence, amazing show. Really, truly amazing.
Thank you!
Your characters, the movements, the music, especially the venue…what was the thought process behind it all?
No thought process. Just finding a venue itself is such a magical moment. I was hustling on different locations. I almost accepted that I wouldn’t have a show this year. But then, I was taking a nap in my car, and I just had this feeling. Like, a thousand angels yelling out to me that I had to keep looking. And just like that, Gia called me, saying, “I have a location for you!”
Oh, wow. Just like that.
Yeah, I was open to anything. I didn’t try too hard with the details because I knew that as long as I’m true to myself, then everything will fall into place.
And it did.
When I’m open enough, the thoughts, ideas and details all fall into place. I think of myself as a blank, white paper. And whatever the universe wants to show the world, it’ll put it on me. Like a vessel, showing you the world.
Your show didn’t have the conventional “runway” type feel to it. What were your intentions with that?
Well, not intentional in the sense that I’m putting myself on the other side of the traditional runway. I have a lot of respect for those. At the same time, I’ve noticed that many shows that I’ve attended are missing something. They’re missing feeling. At the end of the day, clothes burn but feelings are the ultimate truth.
There were a lot of emotions conveyed with yours.
Yes, I’m always thinking of how I can convey emotional aspects through my models and pieces. I don’t want to be on the opposite side of traditional runway shows. But I also don’t want to take away from the fashion aspect. I want both of the sides to be shaking hands.
Exactly.
All models are real people… they go grocery shopping, they read books, but sometimes this is lost on the runway. For me, it just doesn’t feel authentic. I’m always challenging myself to think, “how can I bring out each person’s authentic self on the runway?”
In terms of authentic emotions, was there a certain story you were telling through the models?
So, this show is all about letting go. And losing all expectations of results, and focus on enjoying the process of things. We had very little time rehearsing before going on stage. So I was a little nervous before it began, because I didn’t exactly know how it would turn out.
Yet it was beautiful.
Thank you, thank you. And I think that, in not knowing how it would turn out, I was creating a new experience for myself. If you know everything about how an event will turn out, it’s not a new experience.
That’s true, I never thought of it that way. So you even let go in the process of creating the show.
Yes, it’s all about surrendering. For the show, and for myself in general. It’s about enjoying the process and enjoying the collaboration with people. And the results will speak for itself.
This was so beautiful, Terrence. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to see more from you.
Oh, thank you so much!
Despite the high glamour on display, Mirror Palais exuded an undeniable daintiness and wearability that has quickly garnered Gaia a devoted cult following. Feathers, bustles, towering hats, and exquisite corsetry breathed new life into 18th-century French rococo fashion, adding a contemporary twist to the timeless elegance. Imagine the mischievous spirit and cheekiness of Sofia Coppola's 2006 portrayal of Marie Antoinette, coupled with the deliberate, unhurried saunters reminiscent of the golden age of couture shows, when models reveled in their runway moments.
As the models gracefully glided along, Mirror Palais' signature palette of muted nudes and creams transformed the presentation into a ballet of fashion. Gaia achieved the impossible by making peplum blazers relevant once more, with a striking cream ensemble that left even the most skeptical among us mentally bookmarking it for future Mirror Palais-inspired wedding mood boards.
