Models,  Herieth Paul (left) and Daria Ponomareva (right). Paul recently appeared on the cover of Elle Canada and Ponomareva appeared in the mini-film for Adrian Wu's collaction.

 

Last March, Adrian Wu shocked Ottawa Fashion Week attendees with his phallic designs made from foam and upholstery fabric. Wu returned to Ottawa June 22 to debut a short film featuring his latest collection, which he said will push forward to the future.

Cloud in the Sky Studios, an Ottawa-based film company, collaborated with Wu, to create a two-minute “mini-film” featuring Wu’s Resort 2011 collection. The film premiered at Lobby, a nightclub in downtown Ottawa.

The film, which was shot a top secret location, features models that appear as girls from another planet with their teased hair, stark eyebrows and dramatically lined lips, wearing ruffled dresses with graphic bodices.

It opens with one model walking toward the edge of a cliff. There is nothing but fog, until a second model comes into view. The two seem to know each other and stare off into the endless abyss.

Wu’s Resort 2011 collection was quintessential Wu, with a few surprises. His customary sweetheart bodices were made in his fabric of choice, upholstery, and the skirts had a lot of volume.

Wu said his designs were inspired by pushing the boundaries of tailoring and Mayan influence. He used pleating on the bodices and runching on the skirts, which is a change to his typical voluminous aesthetic.

“I’m pushing forward to the future,” he said. “I used 100 per cent dirt and water repellent [upholstery] fabric. You shouldn’t use the same material over and over. There is a copious amount of fabric.”

Local fashion bloggers, insiders and models attended the soirée to meet and greet with the celebrated 20-year-old dressmaker from Burlington, Ont.
“He’s a brilliant designer,” said Colin Choi, one of three filmmakers who make up Cloud in the Sky Studios.

Julien Cheron and Joseph Truong are the group’s other members. The group had initially approached Wu after seeing his work at Ottawa Fashion Week.

Wu and Cloud in the Sky Studios, said they wanted to collaborate because they appreciate each other’s art.

“We made the video to line up with Adrian’s vision,” Choi said.

Wu’s next take on fashion can be seen at Ottawa Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 in the fall.

“[The party] was a good conclusion of my impact last season,” Wu said.

Link to the film: http://vimeo.com/25438575