The Timelessness of Social-Work FW22 Collection “Memory Dialogue”
photographed by Elinor Kry, Kate Hada, and Victoria Huerta on Feb. 16, 2022
written by Kate Hada and Victoria Huerta
Through a narrow stairwell overlooking Sullivan Street, Social-Work presented their FW22 collection along the walls and aisles of a sunny studio on Sullivan Street on the final day of New York Fashion Week. Drawing from 1970s architecture, self-identity, and COVID-19, designer Chenghui (Helen) Zhang pays homage to her friend’s colorful living room. Through “Memory Dialogue,” Zhang portrays home as the epicenter of our imaginations.
In a few words, the collection is bright, sharp, clean – but underneath each thread, there is a deeper story being told. Nostalgia is one word to describe Zhang’s presentation - I felt like I entered a 70s studio. Sunshine streamed through the windows, illuminating the clothing masterfully. The ambiance communicated the inspiration of the friend’s living room, as all around, there were models adorned in crisp knits, suits, and warm hues, and guests wandering around the welcoming space. The layout of furniture complemented each model’s look.
Silver rose-shaped buttons, earrings, and purses were spotted, a beautiful nod to their signature menagerie by constituting a flagpole of Zhang’s pioneering within the fashion landscape, drawing a personal narrative from collection to collection. One notable piece is a knit black turtleneck sweater paired with a knit lavender skirt. In both the top and the bottom, there is a rose inscribed into the design, and the knitwear altogether drapes along the body beautifully. It feels both light and dense, uniting the opposing spectrums of one’s emotions.
As written by Zhang in a newsletter note from her show, the designer sought to explore the emergence of feelings and the safety fostered in one’s own space, taking inspiration from her friend’s living room, which “depicted a narrative of who she is.” This idea of identity concerning a personal dwelling is keenly captured within this FW22 collection, as it explores shape, structure, and coziness without intruding upon imagination and theatricality.
A highlight was seeing a fellow Parsons student Ryan Mae modeling for Social-Work. I recognized her from Instagram, and we had an exchange of words before I took some snapshots of her. It's motivating seeing fellow students book shows since we enjoy supporting each other's work.
Guests stunned in looks per usual; however, certain pieces caught my attention. French fashion couple Young Emperors caught everyone's attention. Isabelle Chaput of the duo dazzled in Versace pink platform pumps, accompanied by a pearl egg bag by Simone Rocha, and Nelson Tiberghien graced our presence with a BODE suit, paired with an adorable pink Jacquemus leather mini bag. Fashion influencer Ashley aka Bestdressed made an appearance sporting Claudia Li SS22, a remarkable silver Prada purse, and white earmuffs. Finally, model Jeanie @sp4cetown arrived city-chic in a timeless black A-line coat, silk scarf, and wine-red purse.
Social-Work is a brand boasting candor within innovation that has cultivated their own style, leaving fans to flock towards their pieces, rightfully so. Since the ongoing pandemic, everyone has shifted their priorities whether it be themselves or what they value. Zhang addressed these changes wonderfully, redefining how we perceive ourselves within our prospective spaces in an industry where adaptation is essential.
Pictured: Model Jeanie @sp4cetown by Elinor Kry
Pictured: Ashley aka Bestdressed by Elinor Kry
