"Seventy Two Changes"

When Gwen Stefani announced that she was going to start her own clothing line, no one could have known that it would be as successful as it is, succumbing to none of the pitfalls of other celebrity-backed lines (Jennifer Lopez’s Sweetface comes to mind). So when L.A.M.B. co-founder Ken Erman decided to partner with Taiwanese Mandopop star Jolin Tsai to launch her own line, we couldn’t wait to take a look.

Named after Tsai’s 2003 hit single, Seventy Two Changes refers to a constant evolution, according to Tsai, whether it’s changing her style on a day to day basis depending on her whims, or an evolution of self, music and inspiration throughout her life. “Through my music, you can see that my style represents different periods of my life,” she says.

It’s clear which way Tsai angled Seventy Two Changes, at least for her debut fall 2009 collection. Inspired by Comme des Garcon and Marc Jacobs, Tsai relied on elements of contemporary jazz dance with clear street influences. Tuxedo-style jackets are paired with grunge-inspired plaid (an apparent nod to early Marc Jacobs), street-wise dresses and vests are roughed up with zippers and studs. Though Tsai’s personal favorite is the “Rocker Chic” group, which includes a purple leather biker-inspired jacket and leather leggings with long gold zippers, she doesn’t necessarily wear it head to toe. It’s all meant to be worn mixed and matched, a bit disheveled, like you’ve just come back from a long night of clubbing in the Lower East Side. Precious it isn’t.

Based in Taiwan, Tsai says that the country is more influenced by Japanese fashion – “People like bright colors and cute styles,” she says. American fashion, on the other hand, is more “street,” with “large statement jewels and trims.”

For her next collection, Tsai plans on continuing to combine “an Asian influence with a SoHo vibe” by incorporating more colorful and playful elements, but with plenty of bold embellishments. And of course, as always, her music will be in the background, as inspiration.

(Audrey magazine)

Nice pieces!