History and heritage is brought to life at Feng Chen Wang AW19

The innovative Chinese designer looks to his past for inspiration this season in One, Two, Three.

Born in China’s Fujian province during the tumultuous time of the country’s one-child policy, Feng Chen Wang grew up in a family with a brother and a sister. Facing challenges as a larger-than-allowed family, Feng looked back on her upbringing to explore through her latest collection. Inspired by her mother’s experiences having to hide her pregnancy – sometimes by submerging herself in the local river – Feng personifies her strength and beauty through the lotus flower, rising from the mud to bring beauty and life to the world. Explaining, the flower lends “more than symbolism to the clothes, though: the flower’s delicate layered petals are echoed in the garments, which contain hidden colours and compartments.”

History and heritage permeates the collection through the symbolism, iconography and painting with brush strokes, turning her artistic ideas into design prints and forms. In a collection of 41 looks, Feng Chen Wang’s textures and palettes are as pure as the story their telling – from pale pastels to soft fabrics, there was bold tailoring to portray strength and oversized shapes to show creative power.

Blending feminine colours and luxe sportswear, Feng Chen Wang’s AW19 collection brings nostalgia but updates itself for 2019, sharply innovating the designs with her Converse collaboration and abstract shaping, Feng Chen Wang is definitely one to watch.

Click through the gallery below to see Stella Morais’ behind the scenes photography, and follow Feng Chen Wang on Instagram here now.

words
Kitty Robson
photography
Stella Morais