It cannot be ignored that the Asian market plays an important role in today’s fashion industry. The Manor sat down with five fashion lovers from various majors to talk about redefining “fashion” for China’s next generation.*
Guoshuai Wang.
What is the biggest change you have seen in Asian fashion?
They prefer the “Less is More” approach.
How do you define your personal style?
A white t-shirt is my favorite item. Simple is just fine.
What is the fashion item/outfit that you will never wear?
Long boots.
The Look: Adidas top, Topshop pants, Nike
Vivian Wang.
What is the biggest change you have seen in Asian fashion?
In my opinion, the Asian market is in a higher pursuit of fashion than before. They request more attention to detail. The use of color and accessories is getting better. Everyone is looking for their own style and becoming more open-minded. Personal style is more obvious.
How do you define your personal style?
Normcore.
What is the fashion item/outfit that you will never wear?
I never wear earrings, because I am a dancer.
The Look: Gentle Monster sunglasses, FF shirt, Y/Project bomber, Gucci Dionysus bag, Stuart Weitzman boots
Judy Zhao.
What is the biggest change you have seen in Asian fashion?
Very few actually think; I mean, they barely discard the popular aesthetics to find their own style. The ingrained cause is the lack of the professional fashion education in China. Fashion, to them, is going for what is pretty and what is popular on social media. But the truth is, that is not what fashion is all about.
People follow trends blindly. That is the last thing I want to see, especially with the independent fashion designers who have their online shops on Taobao (the biggest online shop in China). They copy the original designs in a smart way by copying one part from this garment and other parts from another garment. I think that is a big insult towards the fashion industry.
How do you define your personal style?
Be simple, be classic. Flexible. But it’s all based on comfort. I will never follow trends blindly. That makes me who I am.
What is the fashion item/outfit that you will never wear?
Anything I find ugly. All things related to princesses. Pink layered ruffle dresses.
The Look: 1995 NYC jumpsuit, Kenzo bag, Adidas shoes
Charlie Tsai.
What is the biggest change you have seen in Asian fashion?
The cultures and subcultures of China are beginning to intertwine. Chaos, but in a harmonious way!
Fashion markets in Japan and Korea keep a lot from western cultures, and then develop into their own styles. Taiwan is following in the same way, but the younger generation is getting something new of their own. In a nutshell, Asian fashion is on the right track.
How do you define your personal style?
City boy – but it mostly depends on the weather and my mood. As I grow, I would love to try something more mature.
What is the fashion item/outfit that you will never wear?
All black. Like Rick Owens. Compared to black, blue is the most beautiful color.
The Look: Anti Social Social Club hat and shirt, BEAUTY & YOUTH jacket and pants, Relab necklace, Converse sneakers
Maggie Liu.
What is the biggest change you have seen in Asian fashion?
I feel like in Asia, especially in China, people tend to dress more western.
How do you define your personal style?
Simple is the best. I will go for black-and-white and grey in regards to the color palette.
What is the fashion item/outfit that you will never wear?
Stella McCartney’s ‘Elyse Star’ shoes.
The Look: Zara top and dress, Asos jacket, Adidas shoes
*Interview answers have been edited for fluency.
Interview by Rain Yuchen Xie
Art direction by Rain Yuchen Xie
Captured by Craig Matola