LFW AW26 - Claudia Wang: A Dreamscape

Courtesy of IDEA PR

Walking into the presentation space, one is first met with the projection of a dreamlike trance, transporting the viewer into a space that feels hypnotic. On the floor are several piles of blue and brown pillows, with intricate floral motif frames printed on each side. 

The collection featured 8 looks in total, blending sleepwear with everyday clothing, and creating a unique blend of casual clothes that blurs the line between what is considered traditional sleepwear and everyday clothing. The pearl details enhance the hypnotic theme, with the colour scheme consisting of pastel purples, yellow, and pink that merge the line between the dreaming state and the viewer’s reality. The collection centred on several recurring illustrations with botanical and animal-inspired motifs. The unicorns specifically stood out, specifically because of their natural movements, which is further encompassed by the venue itself, where the viewer gets a glimpse of this mystic animal as the models begin to walk down the venue. 

One look that particularly drew the eye was the pink striped mermaid cut dress, which is adorned with vibrant floral prints, creating a very intriguing layered effect that both disorients and hypnotises the viewer. The surrealist inspirations are not lost, and are changed to fit into a more contemporary fashion style through the addition of the brown plaid jacket, combining both artistic experimentation with ready-to-wear styling. 

Wang’s background in Practical Fashion is clearly presented, where the use of 3D modelling and pattern making is merged with traditional garment-making techniques. The juxtaposition between natural elements and the use of technology is what makes this collection particularly unique, often making the viewer question the role of digital art in today’s fashion scene. While being inspired not only by online cultures and the use of the virtual world, Wang translates these screen-born designs into romantic yet playful pieces that attract the audience’s eyes. 

Following the show, we went backstage to interview the designer, Claudia Wang, about his inspirations for this collection.

Q: What were some elements and movements that inspired you, and how does this collection differentiate from your previous aesthetics?

Wang: This collection was heavily inspired by the idea of slumber, specifically insomnia, because I easily lose sleep. I also really like to daydream, so I drew specific inspirations from dreams that I have had before, and extended this theme to create this hypnotic aesthetic. I wanted to blend the idea of healing with the idea of sleeping, and to blur the line between the dreaming state and our awakened realities.

Q: What would you say are the main differences between this collection and your previous creations? 

Wang: The aesthetics of this collection are quite different from my previous collections. For example, this collection featured more jackets and windbreaker garments, which were designed with sleepwear in mind to create a unique fusion between sleeping garments and everyday clothing. I wanted the garments to be wearable indoors and outdoors, and not confined to traditional nightgown designs. 

Q: Given your background in Practical Fashion Design and Interactive Design, how do you see the future of fashion evolving with technology? What role do you envision your brand playing in that landscape?

Wang: Throughout the entire process of creating this collection, 3D modelling technology and digital illustrations have already been used in creating the prints and garment patterns. I believe that these tools are very helpful, and I think that in the future, more and more brands, including my own, will begin to encompass these digital technologies in the creative process behind fashion design.  

Q: Onto more of your own personal preference, what is your favourite look from this collection and why? 

Wang: My favourite look is definitely the striped dress shirt with the black floral prints on them, and the flower lace blue skirt. But overall, I love all of these looks!

Q: What would you say to emerging designers or people who wish to pursue fashion as you have done as well?

Wang: I would just say, be yourself! That’s all. 

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Written by Sabrina Hau

Edited by Arielle Sam-Alao