20/10/2020
Balanced Dualism is inspired by the balance between the Yin and the Yang, masculinity, and femininity. This collection integrates the natural philosophy of Taoism, the beauty of life, and spiritual wisdom, into modern design. Fusing traditional craftsmanship with a western silhouette to create works of art that reflects the modern Chinese ethnicity. I want to be part of this movement to bring cultural confidence into the Chinese ethnic group and to illustrate the beauty of my culture to the world. I make it my social responsibility to bridge the East and the West, one design at a time.
This collection was also inspired by our current lifestyle caused by COVID-19. School, work, life, are all being taken in place at home. Has created this emphasis on looking professional waist-up, but also being relaxed and comfortable. That inspired me to create this stay-at-home collection that is timeless, trans-seasonal, and versatile in styling. Even when we get out of this pandemic, these pieces are able to be styled in different ways. I have placed importance on comfort and simplicity using lightweight fabrics, with sheens such as these silks and wool. Opulent luxury and soft masculinity. I have a layout from most casual to most formal, from the lightest color, slowly transitioning to darker colors.
Before someone asks why the female pieces are also designed in a male closure, let me give a little cultural history lesson. According to the Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classics which is a set of medical book, but as the Yellow Emperor was a Taoist cultivator, a lot of the stuff are referred to the balance between Yin and Yang. In the book, there is a principle that states “ Yang rises from the left and Yin falls from the right”. Therefore, the left represents yang and the right represents yin. Historically, people have the left side (the yang, the light), covering the right side (yin, the darkness). If it’s the opposite way, it’s regarded as a “mourning dress” only worn by the dead during burial. But this “y” shaped wrapped collar also reflects the shape of a robe to further back up this relax-at-home theme.
#中国风