After teasing her public with behind-the-scenes snaps on her Instagram, Rosenthal Tee finally made her big New York Fashion Week debut during Valentine’s Day. A day before the show, Style Bible caught up with the designer, as well as stylist Ryuji Shiomitsu who pre-styled the looks, just as she was getting ready for her date with the runway.
Hey, Rosenthal! How does it feel to be showing at NYFW? Excited or nervous?
Both! I'm very excited to be showing at an international platform and at the same time I'm also nervous just because I feel like this is just the beginning of more for myself and my label.
So tell us more about the collection. What's the story behind it?
For Fall/Winter 2016 the vibe is galactic ‘70s Victorian. I was inspired primarily by retro Vogue patterns and drew inspiration from sparkly art deco laces with a tougher less costume-y feel. It's different from my previous work because I'm introducing outerwear and using true fall/winter textiles that show my range as a designer of not just luxury eveningwear but daywear as well.
Can you tell us how you got the invite to show at NYFW? How did you prepare for it?
Every year, NYFW agencies scout for young emerging designers from different regions worldwide. I just happened to be at the right place at the right time in terms of pushing for my label online that I suppose attracted attention towards the right industry players in New York. It also helped that my participation in the SS15 Mercedes Benz Stylo Asia show in Malaysia elevated my work on an international scale. I just happened to get invited to participate, said yes, did the collection and now we're here! This was secretly being completed since November 2015 and my production team and I really scrambled to pull a strong collection together to represent all that's Rosenthal Tee, which is all about the fresh and contemporary woman. I confided with my close friends, such as Ryuji, to help me style and edit the pieces we'll be showing off here this season.
Ryuji, tell us more about the styling. What was the peg for this collection?
When I first saw the collection I immediately thought that we had to make it as simple as possible. I wanted it to be direct to the point glamor but still have that effortlessly chic but impactful presence. Initially we mixed and matched separates, added a few more pieces and reorganized the gowns to make the collection's story visually apparent and, most importantly, cohesive.
Given that the pieces are intended to be worn for colder climate, how would you style them if someone were to wear them in Manila?
I love the variety of the collection. You will see blouses, tops, skirts, jackets (a first for Rosenthal) and of course the intricate gowns. It's all in the details. The workmanship of Rosenthal's atelier is amazing. There is no bead or stitch out of place. I actually have 2 favorite pieces from the collection. One is the multi-fabric draped jumpsuit and the 'Daster' dress. Both pieces are investment worthy because of the way they are cut making it suitable to a wider range of body shapes and the looks can take you from day-to-night. Style and Function. Who wouldn't want that?
ROSENTHAL TEE
Fall/Winter 2016
New York Fashion Week
Photographed by Jeff Ong
Styled by Ryuji Shiomitsu
Model: Aya Abesamis of PMAP
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