Minimidimaxi Magazine

Although his first name conjures up images of an Italian or Spanish designer, the very clean, commercial, minimalist clothing of Mr.Chiu’s first ever fall/winter collection for 2001 holds true to the images conjured up by his last name. The line is discretely practical, and widely accessible and marketable.

Subtle yet effective detailing, especially on the collars, is only vaguely reminiscent of a work uniform: Chiu bravely uses stretch denim, faux leather, and polyurethane fabrics that provide the perfect range of motion needed both by day and by night. In fact, the designs are playful enough to facilitate an easy crossover from workplace to evening wear, for the urban girl-on-the-go with a social life: the coats are long, and there is quite a selection of mix & match set pieces, constructed from a blending of Japanese 100% rayon fabric with nylon mesh.

An impressive, versatile first collection from a promising up-and-coming young designer we should keep an eye out for in the future. In the meantime, as we await his next collection, girls everywhere definitely have something substantial to Chiu on.

Romeo Ripoli, Fashion Reporter
Marek Wlazlo, Photographer