The Motion of Amalgamation: threeASFOUR Spring/Summer 2018

Releasing their Spring/Summer 2018 Collection just under a month ago, threeASFOUR takes us on a new journey. We start at the Mana Contemporary, an artists’ commune, far enough from New York City to feel like another world. This part of town is quietly removed from its street of lively Indian cuisine, retailers and grocers, and sterile vibrations throughout the atmosphere — creating a sobering experience for the creative mind.

Gabi, Adi and I sit in Angela’s absence, to talk about the building blocks of this new collection and the cultural center’s influence. Adi explains that the brand moved from their studio in Chinatown to develop a fashion community within in the center, “Young or old, we don’t care. “

This principle of unity is central to the brand. “Fascinated by the complex geometry of these harmonic intersections,” a monogram brought the expression into fashion. Print work collaborated with Patricia Correa Velasquez, the monogram communicates as a pattern designed by two units. The element of duality is the declaration of unity; a principle that defines the brand. In conversation Gabi and Adi reminded me that he, Gabi and Angela come from countries in conflict, and yet in joining together, they respond in unity. threeASFOUR is an expression of this perspective.

From the solid color tunics, to the wrap dress and structured vest, the monogram appears in more form than singular, in layering and boning.

threeASFOUR SS18 photograph by Olivia McCausland
threeASFOUR SS18 photograph by Olivia McCausland

This print morphs on a black and white cotton poplin and jersey high slit dress in circular shapes formed by the contrasting black abyss of fabric. It envelops the sleeveless blazer and slinks along a set of leggings, consuming the designs to purpose its message. This opening look from the film, a collaboration with artist and film maker Callum Cooper. Fashioning designs from this latest collection titled HARMONOGRAPH I, as the camera loops, like a jump in circular motion, the audience is brought back to earth from a skyward view. And through this media I am reminded of how threeASFOUR pragmatized a universal concept through the material.

Valerie McPhail

Valerie McPhail is a New York-based writer on things of style and artistic expression. She has a portfolio of writing for both fashion and art publications. Although she enjoys covering fashion news and supporting new designers, her favorite subject to explore is the experience of fashion and how life is communicated through clothing. She believes there is a lot to be said about this.