LA Fashion Week Spring 2013: Furne One
Furne One’s Spring ’13 show was a dramatic ending to Style Fashion Week. The Dubai-based Filipino designer was applauded with a well-deserved standing ovation for his “Last Confession of Mata Hari” collection. Models walked down the runway wearing embellished couture ensembles complete with face masks and cage-like hip structures in metallic gold and silver. It was avant-garde at its best. “I was so fascinated with the life of Mata Hari, and when I went to New York I saw [the ‘Savage Beauty’] exhibition of my favorite designer, Alexander McQueen,” he explained. “So, this is a tribute to him and then Mata Hari because they have the same death, it’s a very intriguing death.”
Appropriately, Furne One’s designs were as dark and twisted as the subject matter but incredibly beautiful. The collection was couture to the max covered with intricate handwork. Beading, embroidery, studs, and crystals covered bodysuits, dresses and full-length gowns. Oversize earrings and beaded masks added an exotic flair. It’s easy to see why celebs such as Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Nicki Minaj call on the designer to create custom looks for the red carpet.
The complete collection, which took five to six months to create, is available only by custom order. This was the designer’s third season showing in Los Angeles but the first time to personally appear with the collection. Furne One has shown at fashion weeks around the world, including Dubai, Germany, and Perth, Australia.—N. Jayne Seward
