Sneak peek: Introducing Silvio Liu

Designer Brian Wood/Image courtesy of Brian Wood

For the in-the-know fashion fans who favor designer Brian Wood's previous projects, his B Wood t-shirt line, and Brian Wood Menswear, the announcement that the designer known for hand-cut pieces and exquisite silk screening will launch Silvio Liu, a fresh and ultra feminine women's wear collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is a welcome one. 

For Wood, the new launch is a foray into a new field, with a new partner Danny Liu, whom brings generations of production knowledge, and experience with some of the biggest fashion houses in the world to the table. 

SW caught up designer Brian Wood, just days before his debut, to talk about the new line, the new partnership, and to get a sneak peak at the Spring 2011 collection.

SW: What lead you to join forces with Danny Liu to create the Silvio Liu line?

BW: It’s quite organic. Danny has a family owned production factory specializing in dress making two floors below my office in the same building in the heart of NYC’s garment district. We knew each other from passing for about two years. I told Danny about my menswear collection Brian Wood / B Wood and that he should stop by and check it out. Eventually he did and became a huge supporter of the brand.  After some time Danny then proposed to do a women’s evening wear collection since he had the production experience and I had a design background. To me it was a no brainer working with a friend and combining forces!

SW: The line is described as "understated cool with a touch of romantic rebel" what does this phrase mean to you?

BW:  It’s the woman who is understated but at the same time not afraid to take chances. The girl that walks with confidence, she is comfortable expressing herself, living her life effortlessly chic.

a sketch from the Silvio Liu Sp2011 collection/Image courtesy of Brian WoodSW: What major influences did you draw on for inspiration in creating the line?

BW: I pulled inspiration from The French Impressionist Period. I came across a Henri Matisse’s portrait which I deconstructed to create a signature print highlighted throughout the collection.

SW: Who do you see as the Silvio Liu woman?

BW: She’s fun, flirty, confident and tweets

SW: Typically, where do you see the price point coming in for the pieces once they hit boutiques?

BW: $275.00 - $750.00

The Silvio Liu Collection debuts on September 9th at Shop Studios in Manhattan as part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. For more information on the label please visit the official website.

Be sure to check in with SW all next week as we bring you daily re-caps, and photos from the Lincoln center; and for up to the minute info follow SW Editor Cynthia on Twitter.