Sean Suen explories the traditions and culture of the Yi People in the Daliang mountains through contemporary fashion.
Living in a modern city can be overwhelming, with endless distractions vying for our attention. It can feel like our voice is lost amidst the noise of tall buildings and concrete. In contrast, the open land of the Daliang Mountains offers a sense of peace and simplicity that is hard to come by in the city. The Sean Suen Fall/Winter 2023 collection takes inspiration from this natural wonder and delves into the traditions and culture of the Yi people, who have long called these mountains home.
The collection, which is full of respect for traditional oriental culture, features clothing such as the “Pizhan“, a piece of clothing traditionally worn by the Yi people to keep out the cold, and the “Tuta“, an ancient war knife that has been repurposed for contemporary fashion. The use of cold-proof fabrics such as leather and wool adds to the authenticity of the collection and also provides a better wearing experience during the harsh winter months.
The color scheme of the collection is primarily black, with high saturated colors specific to the Yi people’s aesthetic traits. Accessories are inspired by the natural spirits of the Daliang Mountains, with engravings of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as flowers, birds, fish, and grass, and mountains, rivers, and trees. The Yi silver pectoral and collar ornaments are especially striking, with their silver bells clanging like the long ringing of the creatures that lead us to the true and final refuge of the soul.
Clothing is not just a practical necessity, but also a carrier of national culture and artistic aesthetics. The Sean Suen Fall/Winter 2023 collection hopes to inspire wearers to ponder upon the intrinsic quality of human being’s self-awareness through the lens of an ancient oriental culture, and to experience the most authentic beauty from all creatures.
