Discover the Ancient Botanical Contact Printing Technique Behind Feng Chen Wang’s Designs
Feng Chen Wang’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection draws inspiration from the cherished childhood memories of the designer, particularly those tied to her grandmother and their explorations of the picturesque landscapes of Fujian, China. Wang’s deep-rooted love and nostalgia for these indelible moments have served as the catalyst for this season’s creative vision.
To pay homage to her grandmother’s influence, Wang embarked on a journey to recreate these memories using an ancient botanical contact printing technique. Collaborating closely with local artisans, she carefully selected plants that held special significance to her grandmother, such as onions, gallnuts, eucalyptus, and apple leaves. By pounding these botanicals onto traditional Chinese silk, the colors, intricate forms, and delicate veins of each plant were imprinted onto the fabric, breathing new life into Wang’s designs.
Each plant embodies the essence of a life well-lived, reflecting resilience and a dedication to preserving tradition. From this profound connection to the past, the Spring/Summer 2024 collection emerges, transcending the boundaries of time and space. It is a dialogue with history, a testament to a love so pure that it endures indefinitely.
Wang’s creative process reflects the depth and complexity of these memories. With a palette ranging from gentle gradations of pink, blue, purple, to the depth of black, dream-like hues are skillfully interwoven, rising and evolving, ultimately captured within the fabric—a metaphorical representation of the indelible nature of memories.
Silk takes center stage as the primary fabric in Wang’s collection, symbolizing natural purity. It finds expression in shirts, shorts, and transparent organza jackets. The brand’s signature pure cotton appears in denim pieces and T-shirts, showcasing a fusion of Chinese and Western elements with a contemporary flair. Additionally, the collection showcases meticulously crafted wool suits featuring the botanical contact printing method, adding a refined touch to the overall aesthetic.
The runway show, held at the illustrious Lycée Montaigne, was complemented by the mesmerizing live performance of the musical collective Nara Bara. Their harmonies and intricate jazz rhythms harmoniously blended with the models’ graceful descent, further blurring the lines between reality and longing.
Within this collection, Wang explores the mythical symbolism of dragons and phoenixes, as seen through the jacquard and water-washing processes that give life to the new dragon pattern. Denim-blue, grey, and shades of khaki serve as the backdrop for these auspicious creatures, representing the fervent hopes and aspirations of ancient Chinese culture. Coincidentally, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon in China, making this collection an embodiment of anticipation for a brighter future.
In the accessories department, natural materials take center stage, including classic bamboo bags, bamboo hair clasps, and wooden necklaces. Complementing the ensemble is the exclusive Feng Chen Wang eyewear collection, alongside reconstructed Nike apparel and footwear, elevating the overall accessory range.
By intertwining elements of design, craftsmanship, and fabric, the Feng Chen Wang Spring/Summer 2024 collection masterfully narrates the emotional tapestry of memory preservation and replication. Through the meticulous attention to detail and heartfelt storytelling, Wang invites each individual to embark on a comprehensive exploration of their own experiences and emotions.
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