At her Paris Fashion Week show, designer Feng Chen Wang delved into the ancient Chinese text Shan Hai Jing, transforming mythological narratives into a comprehensive fashion collection that blends cultural heritage with contemporary design.
Drawing from the 2,500-year-old mythological compendium, Wang collaborated with artisans from Jingdezhen, China's renowned ceramic production center, to create a line that reimagines traditional folklore through modern fashion. The collection featured distinctive ceramic sculptures and intricate prints that referenced mythical creatures from the ancient text.
The collaboration with UGG produced particularly striking footwear. Wang developed oversized slippers with unusual ceramic-inspired textures, featuring exaggerated forms and unexpected details. Each shoe was first crafted in ceramic before being transformed into a wearable design, available in brown, yellow, and blue colorways.
Outerwear stood as a central element of the collection. Technical neoprene fabrics mimicked traditional wool textures on leather coats and sleeveless puffer jackets. Structural denim coats and glossy puffers demonstrated precise tailoring, while knitwear featured distinctive elements like billowing back bows and tonal patterns across the torso.
The designer's approach balanced conceptual inspiration with practical wearability. Wang emphasized her intention for the pieces to be worn in everyday settings, bridging the gap between mythological imagination and contemporary fashion consumption.
Ceramic sculptures accompanied models, depicting bizarre, bug-eyed creatures that echoed the mythical beings described in Shan Hai Jing. These sculptures were not merely accessories but integral components of the collection's narrative, translating ancient visual language into contemporary fashion communication.
The collection represents a nuanced exploration of cultural identity, mythology, and modern design, positioning Feng Chen Wang as a designer committed to reinterpreting traditional narratives through a contemporary lens.
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Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.