Writing by Avantelier, Photo｜proofreading by Yinghua Wu and YIJIN teams
With the evolution of generations’ views on females, young designers consciously are stimulated and are guided to explore the changes in women’s bodies, to provoke the taboos that society values consider ugliness. YIJIN’s new collection leads us to the new generation’s point of view on stretch marks. Her perspective on stretch marks is depression, imperfection and lack of confidence. She has come to realise that perfection is not only unattainable but also boring. Everyone’s differences are what make us unique, and stretch marks are just one aspect of that diversity.
The other menswear designer, Yinghua Wu, is dedicated to exploring fashion creation through her oriental cultural DNA. Emphasizing garment structure through transparency and photographic process allows men to wear transparency without exposing the body. By combining the relationship between human energy and environment in Oriental philosophy with the acupoint theory, the existentialism of fluid consciousness in space and aura is explored.
Both young designers have been committing to sustainability. YIJIN focuses on the pattern-making system, to increase the convenience of reusing. Yinghua Wu works on a sustainable loop by supporting traditional craftsmanship and combining it with technology.
A brief about YIJIN. She is a fashion designer and considers herself an observer. Her creations are motivated by the insights of life and also fascinated by the interaction between clothing and individuals.
Her ambition is that, as a fashion designer, she can help to shift the narrative around stretch marks and other so-called imperfections. Instead of viewing them as flaws, everyone should celebrate them as unique features that make us who we are.
Q: What are the biggest challenges for you on this project? How did you solve the issues?
YI: The biggest challenge I had in this project probably was to figure out how to translate my sentiments regarding stretch marks and my thoughts on the notion of beauty into something that other people could relate to. Making people feel a connection and sharing the same values via this effort of mine is the purpose of this project.
And the solution I came up with for this task was to start involving others while I was working on my project. Not only did I interview and ask individuals for their comments and insights, but I also found a knitwear designer and a jewellery designer to collaborate with to make my project stronger and more comprehensive.
Q: What’s your plan for this year? Does the plan (project) relate to sustainability?
YI: I’m currently developing my brand, and this year I’m aiming to obtain more ideas from life by not just using them as visual inspirations but also developing the interior portion of these phenomena. In addition, I want to learn and find out more about the material to support my design with a broader range of options.
Definitely, as a designer who understands the value of sustainability. I believe that what you do today will have an impact on the future. I’m now working on improving my pattern system to eliminate seams and have a larger uncut fabric to be able to reuse, also create my designs with fewer pollutants and natural materials.
A brief about Yinghua Wu, a designer who focuses on harmony between colour and fabrication with an aesthetic of romance.
Q: What are the biggest challenges for you on this project? How did you solve the issues?
Wu: My biggest challenge during the project would be planning the advancement of the different branches while balancing the communication between design, procurement and production. I solve problems as they arise by constantly subdividing my goals and planning my time in detail.
Q: What’s your plan for this year? Does the plan (project) relate to sustainability?
Wu: My plan for this year is to promote and officially launch the next season and to position the brand more clearly. My collection is very much about sustainability. My brand is always looking for sustainable design systems and a sustainable loop by supporting traditional craftsmanship and combining it with technology.
