EXPLORING the evolution of, and relationship between, individual and communal identity, Feng Chen Wang celebrates togetherness for London Fashion Week.
Justina, Youth Group Volunteer in Feng Chen Wang’s An Ode To Community
Unlike last season, for SS21 the London- and Shanghai-based designer has opted against a runway show in favour of a seasonless film, entitled An Ode To Community.
The video, which debuted on the British Fashion Council website on September 21, gathered seven of Wang’s followers across social media and asked them to share personal moments they have had with their respective communities, wearing new and archival pieces from the designer’s collections that “they felt at home in”.
James, Student
Charlene & Lucky, Writer & Founder of A Vibe Called Tech
Each hailing from a different background – professional skateboarder, tattoo artist, writer, musician, youth group volunteer and various students – the designer describes the individuals featured as “free spirits who have self-actualised themselves and who inspire others to do the same”.
Natalia, Tattoo Artist
Manuel, Professional Skateboarder
Ivo, Musician & Composer
Hai, Student
“Community – and the idea of human connection more broadly – are fundamental components of her practice,” said a press statement released alongside the film. “[Wang] considers the ways in which communities are formed – around shared personal beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviours – but individual identities are retained. How they are found, fostered, embraced and expressed. She looks at communities as spaces where we can self-actualise, where we don’t have to pretend or perform. Where we can be ourselves.”
by Joshua Hendren