March 30, 2012 |
FROM THE VAULT (WINTER / SPRING 2012)
What’s new for spring/summer 2012?
“To highlight the graphic look of my spring collection, I collaborated with artist KAWS on a floating-petal print bestowed with his signature ‘hands’ – a playful nod to the workmanship and the number of hands involved in creating a garment. I also explored the contrast of old-world shapes and volume mixed with sport elements. I wanted to mix fabrics like sport mesh with delicate chiffons to take both materials out of their usual.”
What was the inspiration/idea behind the collection?
“My spring 2012 collection was inspired by haute couture shapes mixed with pop art influences. I really wanted to mix these two seemingly opposing ideas together. I wanted to provoke the idea of classic couture. It was also particularly important for me to bring attention to the craftsmanship of the clothes. I wanted them to be made as beautifully inside and out. I played with a lot of different embroidery techniques that gave the collection a sense textural intensity.”
Do you have a favourite piece? Or do you love them all the same?
“My favourite piece from the collection is the shocking-yellow silk-gazar gown that Aymeline Valade wore. To me, this dress epitomises the message behind the collection – it felt like a classic Avedon photo turned upside down.”
Does your Chinese heritage influence your work in any way?
“While I have not used much literal interpretation from my Asian culture, I believe my Chinese background has influenced a lot of aspects of my work. There is often a strictness in the lines and silhouettes that I favour.”
What made you want to become a designer? Did you have a “eureka” moment?
“I moved from Taiwan to Vancouver when I was nine, where I often flipped through my mother’s fashion magazines to practice reading English. I became so fascinated with the models and the clothes that I wanted to find out more about them. That was the moment when I began my love affair with fashion.”
What’s your Chinese horoscope sign?
“Dog.”
Do you believe in fortune cookies? In fortune-telling?
“Not really, but I believe in karma.”
Favourite Bruce Lee movie?
“Enter the Dragon is legendary!”
What’s your favourite Chinese takeaway?
“Roast pork buns.”
by Natalie Dembinska
Photograph by Marcelo Krasilcic
