JM Couture's show at Style Fashion Week was an inventive mix of fashion, art and live entertainment. Designer Jim Mullin infused traditionally underground designs with mainstream ideas to create a collection that strategically merged edgy and fierce with elegant and refined. 

The show opened with a performer who did handstands and series of slow, graceful acrobatic moves, immediately commanding the audience’s attention before the models walked to the upbeat punk-inspired music. All of the songs were created by Mullin himself, who is also a musician. The show was accompanied by a background video featuring flowing abstract, monochromatic art.

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All of the pieces in the show were in neutral shades of black, white, gray, silver and the occasional gold. But the lack of color was in no way a restriction. Instead Mullin focused on integrating a variety of materials, cuts and textures.

Many of the dresses consisted of a combination of sheer and solid material embroidered with intricate patterns. The designs hinted at inspiration from gothic and steam punk fashion, but Mullin balanced the edginess with sequins, lacy prints and soft lines. All of the looks were complemented with sleek hair and makeup on the models, further alluding to the fierce but elegant design.

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Besides dresses, there were also a few multiple-piece looks consisting of tops, skirts and jackets. These pieces exhibited versatility and could easily be seen on a streetstyle blog, but one could even wear them to the office to create a fashion-forward statement.

Halfway through the show, two acrobatic hula hoop performers came onto the runway and created a dazzling display with a hoop that had moving lights. Afterward, the second half of the show carried a theme of meditative grace and respect. The performers stood at the entrance to welcome the models.

Mullin’s last few looks were sleek, glittery dresses, which gave the show an energetic ending after the progression from a darker vibe. JM Couture’s line was a creative, versatile collection with pieces that could be worn on the street, at a party or at a formal soirée.

Reach Staff Reporter Angela Shen here.