Feng Chen Wang’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection is all about connection. The Chinese word “缝“, which means to sew, stitch, and knit together, is central to the designer’s vision.
The collection is a reflection of the designer’s desire to connect individuals, cultures and communities, as well as time periods. The gender-liberated sensibility of the collection is also evident, as well as the designer’s ability to bring together traditional Chinese techniques and modern western styles. Tailoring and denim are also incorporated seamlessly into the collection, making it a perfect blend of old and new. The color palette is a mix of cool and warm tones, adding to the collection’s appeal.
Wang was particularly inspired by the Chinese “Hundred Families Robe” tradition, where 100 days after giving birth to a child, parents will visit 100 people and receive a piece of cloth, which is then sewn together into a patchwork robe. Similarly, Wang has gathered surplus fabric from seasons past and spliced them together in a sustainable and symbolic way.
The phoenix, which is Wang’s signature motif, appears throughout the collection in a printed quilted fabric and a printed denim, which melds old and new with the incorporation of a traditional Chinese landscape painting technique. Wang has also partnered with Estée Lauder for a limited-edition make-up collection with exclusive decoration designed by her.
The traditional Chinese knot is also featured in the collection, which serves as a reminder of the beauty of unity, community, and coming together. In a time when society is more fractured than ever, Wang’s collection is a reminder of the importance of connection and coming together.
