SELF-LIBERATION is the theme of 8ON8’s first international catwalk show, presented by GQ China. GQ China have brought to the fore several trendsetting designers over the last seven years, including Xander Zhou in 2018. This year, founder and designer of 8ON8, Li Gong, contributed his mature energy to street style for LFWM SS20.
Having graduated with a MA 2017, his first debut was at the Central Saint Martins AW17 graduate show where he quickly established himself as the king of retro-futurism. This can be seen in SS20 with his collection of modern tailoring silhouettes with structured suits and long dress in neutral shades and pastels. Unique chain mail pieces dominated the runway, with one directive: break the chain, let go of one’s self.
The title of the show, San Junipero, is based on the popular episode of the same name from series three of British sci-fi series, Black Mirror. In this episode people upload their consciousness onto a cloud drive to continue living a life of their choosing after their death. This message translates into the carefree yet thoughtful pieces created by Li Gong.
The music was an eclectic mix of contemporary electronic and ‘80s, with the final line up walking out to I’m So Excited by The Pointer Sisters. This was followed by Li Gong himself taking a turn on the runway, arm in arm with two models wearing his designs. A well-deserved victory lap.
by Alicia Pountney