NYFW SS25: Aiste Hong

Image: Kiera Simpson

Aiste Hong is a UK raised, Lithuanian-born designer curating garments that cater to strong women who embody a love for the daring. This debut collection for NYFW SS25’ is layered with luxe elements inspired by her worldly experience. Details are modern and laden with feminine energy. Hong credits her mother for her “obsession with flawless construction”, high quality materials and detail oriented taste. These garments are designed to last, both via time’s test and the ever changing direction of trends. 

Hong’s first runway includes silhouettes which are grounded in a timeless version of couture. That of which she studied at New York Parsons School of Design. A second-generation devotee to the world of fashion and its many elements, these looks offer myriad reasons to engage with. Most primarily they present tactile structure and extensive tailoring, all whilst employing the highest quality fabrics. 

Image: Kiera Simpson

The collection consisted of nineteen distinct looks with varying degrees of stylistic overlap. Highlighted colorways throughout the series included baby blues, pinks, canary yellow, and a pop of pale chartreuse green. Those of which were intermittently dispersed amongst neutral tones of white, cream, black and brown. Makeup was light touch and doll-like. Pale mauve blush warmed into the centre of the cheek while each model floated across the catwalk, natural hair in tow. 

Garments featured asymmetry as a connecting point, prepossessing charmeuse fabrics fluttering off shoulders amid t-strap open backs. Other highlights included deconstructed virgin wool blazers, ruffle necks, flared pencil skirts featuring pockets all the way up to halter neck bows as well as slit hem details. Otherwise free flowing tops and dresses were cinched by baby pink and black leather belts centered by quintessential AH gold belt buckles. 

Image: Kiera Simpson

Other shapes included puff sleeves with asymmetric shoulder detail, exaggerated pleating and sheer materials. Open backs were balanced by gentle balloon hems as they flounced across the runway to an upbeat atmospheric soundtrack. Heavy bass hits and dissipating vocals juxtaposed the featherlight materials and delicate details strutting across the room.

These garments are elevated via asymmetrical flair and imaginative tailoring. Looks are sleek, including bold cuffs, buttoning, and artistically executed details which seem to diffuse through the entire debut. 

Image: Kiera Simpson

The runway took place at the The Harmonie Club at 4 East 60th street in Manhattan, the second oldest private social club in the city, first established in 1852. Guests were decorated across the board in wide stylistic variation making it clear that this collection compelled quite a range of tastes. As attendees took to their seats, one furry guest in particular popped down the pre-show runway with a feather-embellished collar and all.

The venue was beautifully decorated, seats were gold which situated nicely with the embossed ceilings and gold tipped pillars. Guests were offered pre-show glasses of champagne upon arrival as final steps fell into place. The excited chattering of the room suddenly hushed into poised silence as the first model appeared, eyes glued to her.

Image: Kiera Simpson