Meet Shanghai's newest generation of designers

With Shanghai Fashion week coming to an end these three designers have proven themselves ones to watch.  Looking back at the buzz surrounding past seasons, there are three designers in particular that are likely to find themselves in the global spotlight.  Known for pushing boundaries and enhancing China’s relevance in the industry, each of them further increases the nation’s currency by drawing inspiration from youth culture, the digital age, and modern notions of beauty.

Angel Chen

Angel Chen A/W 17 collection with Mercedes-Benz @mbfw and @cameramoda. #milanfashionweek#angelchen Follow @mbfw to see more. Stylist – Alessandra Corvasce Casting Director – Vanessa Contini Show Director – Emiliano Frangipane, From Studio DJ – Andrea Ratti for Bimar Agency Make-Up – Key Artists Make-up Jabe @ MKS-Milano using Bioderma Hair – Key Artists Hair Henry Olivier @ MKS-Milano using Schwarzkopf Runway photography – Giovanni Giannoni

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Shenzhen native Angel Chen was first recognized on an international level in 2014 when she was awarded the prestigious “Top 5 Graduate Designers of the Year” from Central Saint Martins. Chen’s striking aesthetic makes use of mixed fabrics, textural layering and ­­­­­intricate embroidery. Her Spring/Summer 2016 collection “Youthquake” – inspired by the 1960s new wave movement of the same name- caught the attention of the industry for its bold, youthful spirit and outlandish colour scheme.

Feng Chen Wang

AW17 -Feng Chen Wang’s AW2017 collection, the designer takes inspiration from the world of the senses; what we as human beings experience. In China, where Wang originates, it is understood that there are six senses not five – an additional one that resides in the mind and consists of impressions, feelings, perceptions and volition. This realm of impressions and feelings is not a black and white one, but one of many shades. Wang is learning to embrace the grey area, which is demonstrated very literally in this season’s colour palette where ash meets charcoal, gunmetal and silver – with the addition of an electric yellow. There is a focus on the body once more, with flesh tones employed, along with skin-like textures such as leather. The way fabric covers and interacts with the human form is subverted and magnified: rumples becomes ruching which, in turn, becomes Jenny Saville-like rolls. Material is gathered around the body and clothing becomes cocooning, perhaps reflecting a fundamental human need: to feel safe. Present in MANAW17 supported by @topman in @londonfashionweekmens @voguerunway Thanks to @_luluKennedy @fashion_east @topman #Manaw17 #lfwm @maccosmetics @vincelevy @sb_cast @nobukomakeup @kotasuizu @ted_stansfield @owenpratt @laurajouan #fengchenwang

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London-based menswear designer Feng Chen Wang made her debut in 2015 after graduating from the Royal College of Art. Wang, whose work is known to reflect a well-defined worldview, speaks of being greatly inspired by her day-to-day interactions. Wang’s collections utilised adjustable cabling as a playful and innovative way to alter the shape of the garments- touched heavily on ideas surrounding digital age connectivity.

Ximon Lee

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Berlin-based designer Ximon Lee was trained at Parsons School of Design and is known for his austere aesthetic, extreme cuts and hand crafted constructions. In his last collection, “Shame”, Lee set out to define his own notion of “beauty”. In the collection he presents a thoughtful dichotomy between bold and delicate: oversized garments with severe cuts accented with pearl detailing. He too draws inspiration from his personal life, citing an early memory of his mother in pearls as a conceptual starting point.