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Reinterpretation of Changshan Garment by Tong Tong |
Home > Winners > Design #159036 >Interview |
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FS: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
TT: The main principle, idea, and inspiration behind my design is to innovate and modernize the iconic Changshan garment while honoring its timeless elegance and historical significance. Drawing inspiration from its lean yet elegant silhouette and traditional features such as the Mandarin collar and overlapping front opening, I aimed to harmonize tradition with modernity in my reinterpretation.
FS: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
TT: My main focus in designing this work was to achieve a seamless blend of heritage and innovation. I sought to preserve the overall minimal and elongated silhouette of the Changshan while introducing innovative tailoring methods and functional elements to enhance its versatility and wearability. Specifically, I aimed to achieve a design that seamlessly integrates vertical seams for volume control, discreetly integrated pockets, and a modified front opening for easier access, all while ensuring structural integrity and maintaining the garment's modest appearance.
FS: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
TT: Winning this award has given me the confidence to pursue small-batch production for this design. My plan is to perfect the design further, ensuring it is suitable for production, and ultimately transform it into a ready-to-wear piece. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring this design to life and share it with a broader audience.
FS: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
TT: From conceptualization to the final product, this design took approximately one and a half months to complete.
FS: What made you design this particular type of work?
TT: As a designer with a Chinese cultural background and a passion for historical garments, the silhouette of the Changshan has always held a special place in my memories since childhood. This nostalgia and curiosity led me to embark on a reinterpretation of this menswear staple. I sought to innovate while staying true to the essence of the Changshan, exploring ways to modernize and refresh its traditional elements. This journey of reinterpretation became the starting point for my design process.
FS: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
TT: I conducted extensive historical and visual research to facilitate the creation of this design. To gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and the original design of the Changshan, I reviewed historical photographs and documentaries via digital databases, such as the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology Museum. Their collection of Changshan from the historical period served as a valuable reference, providing insights and inspiration for my design.
FS: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
TT: The primary challenge I faced during the realization of this design lay in the neck area. With the traditional neckline replaced by a series of vertical seams from the body panels, achieving the correct collar shape proved difficult initially. To address this, I conducted multiple trial iterations to refine the patterns for utmost accuracy. Following fabric cutting, I molded the neck area under steam and iron to create the smooth curve of the collar. Additionally, I pad-stitched hymo to provide sufficient structural support for the garment.
FS: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
TT: Designing this garment has been a significant learning experience for me, both technically and creatively. The intricate nature of the design presented numerous challenges, pushing me to expand my skills and problem-solving abilities. Working through these challenges has not only improved my technical proficiency but also taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and craftsmanship. Overall, this project has been instrumental in my growth as a designer.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A' Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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