[FASHION] Beyond, Behind with Jiejie Zhang, Yang Yang, Haoyang (Avery) Jiao, Yuqi (Sherry) Long, Zhiyin (Jenny) Huang

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, new horizons are being explored, pushing the boundaries of what is traditionally known. The concept of expanded practice in Fashion opens up exciting possibilities beyond the surface, delving into the realms that lie beneath. With the rise of modular digital technologies and innovative service experiences, a new wave of creativity is reshaping the industry.

Storytelling takes on new forms, weaving narratives that transcend traditional mediums and engage with audiences in captivating ways. This exploration of expanded practice in Fashion unveils a world of endless potential, where imagination and innovation collide to create a future that is both inspiring and transformative.

So​​ when fashion designers cease to make garments, what potentials and alternatives lie ahead? There is general agreement that some conventional fashion systems are failing us. While some of them have been a celebration of conformity, linearity and compliance, the expanded practices of fashion design encourage designers to challenge assumptions pertaining to fashion. It is imperative for designers to move forward into unknown territory and explore new approaches of doing fashion that are more fundamentally valuable, and personally and socially enriching.

What could be the alternatives to fashion design practices?

Designers and practitioners Jiejie Zhang, Yang Yang, Haoyang (Avery) Jiao, Yuqi (Sherry) Long, Zhiyin (Jenny) Huang have made their responses and manifestos with their distinctive visions and practices by embracing modular digital technologies and incorporating innovative service experiences. Despite the challenges, the designers strive to look for new answers to what they believe in this discipline. They are convinced that stepping out from compliance is the only way to open up exciting possibilities beyond the surface, delving into the realms that lie beneath.

Haoyang (Avery) Jiao is a digital artist who creates work that encompasses a range of mediums and techniques such as 3D animation and AR interaction. His artwork often explores political themes and social issues, particularly those related to LGBTQ+ rights and political expression.

Yang Yang and Jiejie Zhang have developed an immersive FP VR fashion game that connects the virtual and physical worlds. Their VR fashion game embodies a practice centred around decentralisation, encouraging players to engage with the world around them. By reconstructing Chinese cultural elements, they aim to create a unique fusion of tradition and innovation. Through interactive gameplay, players can explore their personal connection to Chinese culture, while actively shaping and reimagining its portrayal.

Yuqi (Sherry) Long, a multidisciplinary user experience designer, brings her enthusiasm to AirGest, transforming the creation of virtual content through intuitive gestures. She has explored the embedding of generative artificial intelligence in the creative experience of ordinary content creators, seeking more intuitive ways of interaction that make it easier for individuals to produce creative content.

Zhiyin (Jenny) Huang is an interdisciplinary designer with an interest in developing innovative approaches to patterning cutting. Her angle of seeing geometries and structures forms her distinctive practice to manipulate materials and the ways she does fashion, allowing her to methodologically explore the possibilities of transformative surfaces. She is constantly experimenting with various techniques to explore new avenues of creativity.

Text by Jenny Huang