The Eternal Return
Photographer: Jiaming Deng
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
An important moment that shaped my artistic vision was watching a Rick Owens interview where he discussed how trying and sewing can reveal one’s artistic vision and character. This philosophy transformed how I approach design and creation. For instance, working with different materials or manipulating fabric into unexpected shapes often reveals surprising aesthetic qualities that might not align with traditional norms. Each trial teaches me something new and this mindset encouraged me to embrace imperfection, push boundaries, and trust that my unique voice would emerge through consistent effort and dedication. It’s a philosophy that continues to guide and inspire my work today.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
Everyone on the team played a vital role in bringing this vision to life. Jiaming Deng, our photographer, chose a stunning beach location to shoot this collection. His mastery of lighting in natural environments was key—he captured how the sunlight interacted with the sheer fabrics of the garments. During the shooting, the sunlight cast through the delicate layers created a harmonious interplay between the garments and the natural surroundings. This effect transformed the garments into tactile pieces, seamlessly blending with the glowing textures of the beach and sky. The result was a creative synergy where nature and fashion elevated each other, making this collaboration an unforgettable artistic experience.
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
The Eternal Return collection truly challenged my creative boundaries by designing a collection where I focused on using structural seams as the foundation of the garments. The challenge lay in pushing beyond conventional construction techniques to create designs that were both innovative and deeply conceptual. By intertwining twisted structures with stretched materials, I crafted pieces that reflect the cyclical nature of fashion trends. From this experience, I learned the value of patience and experimentation, as well as the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities to innovate. It reinforced the idea that creativity thrives when you embrace the unknown and allow conceptual ideas to guide the technical process.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
What sets my work apart in the evolving art world is the personal and hands-on approach I bring to each piece. I sew every garment myself, immersing myself in feeling and exploring the fabric and structure. This intimate connection allows me to pivot and adapt in real time if something doesn’t feel right, ensuring that every piece evolves organically and authentically. This approach has led to the creation of exploratory garments and interchangeable pieces. The deconstructed and reassembled silhouettes reflect the journey of my sewing experience—an ongoing cycle of reformation and transcendence. Each piece carries the essence of exploration and evolution, making my work as much about the process as the final creation.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you've set for your artistic career in the coming years?
As I reflect on my journey, one of my key goals for the coming years is to continue expanding my creative boundaries, pushing the limits of what can be expressed through artistic garments. I want my work to delve deeper into the themes of life, using design as a medium to communicate ideas and emotions. A significant milestone I aim to achieve is to establish myself as a bridge between the garment and the wearer—a creator of connection. I want my designs to resonate on a personal level, allowing wearers to see their stories reflected in the pieces. By fostering this connection, I hope to create garments that serve as a vessel for self- expression. Each piece should not just be worn but experienced, helping people connect with themselves and the world around them in profound ways.
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The Eternal Return collection is more than clothing—it is a philosophical exploration, urging us to live boldly, with the understanding that each moment is both fleeting and eternal.
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Makeup Artist: Ziyi Tang
Photographer: Jiaming Deng
Model: Yiming Yang
Fashion Designer: Miqi Wang