Chinese fashion designer Uma Wang is rapidly emerging as the industry's first truly international designer. In her FW '12 collection, she showcases the signature east meets west that has helped her become one to watch. Wang's Milan showing featured Western cowboy dusters combined with traditional knitwear for an Avant- Garde, Gothic aesthetic. Using mostly black with hints of dark greens and the occasional khaki, the color palette was deceptively simple as Wang kept it interesting by combining fabrics rather than prints.
Nothing in Wang's line was form fitting, rather the cuts that came down the runway were roomy dresses sometimes worn over pants, but nothing was baggy or shapeless, just elegantly drapey. As is typical of Wang, many of the designs were asymmetric and for this show, had a definite 90's grunge look showcased in the holey sweaters and nubby fabrics. Although Wang spent time in China perfecting her knitwear, she also trained at London's elite Central Saint Martins before launching her line in 2005. Wang has come to the attention of fashion's elite including Hung Huang, Angelica Cheung, Franca Sozzani, and Anna Wintour.
These designers appreciate her hard work, transcendent design philosophy, and embodiment of her eponymous brand. In 2011, Wang won the Audi Progessive Designer Award, the same award that American designer Phillip Lim had won the previous year. Other accolades for Wang include the Finest Craft and Best Creativity awards at Shanghai Fashion Week during 2009 and 2010, as well as the Beijing CCDC Best Designer award in 2010. Wang is quickly expanding her realm in Asia's luxury market with her designs being sold at Hong Huang's Beijing boutique Brand New China and the Uma Wang flagship in the Shanghai's swanky Xintiandi neighborhood.
Former New York Yankees left-hander Fritz Peterson died at the age of 82. He is probably best known exchanging wives with teammate Mike Kekich in the 1970s.
