Meet GFF International Talent, Yuxin Huang from Bunka Fashion College. “The Colours of Love” is Yuxin’s final collection, and looks at the many different forms love comes in, especially passionate love. Voluminous silhouettes have been digitally printed and dyed with colours and images that Yuxin associates with love to create an emotive and exciting collection. Read on to learn more about Yuxin’s work.
Tell us about you, where are you from, what lead you to fashion and choosing that course?
When I was a child, my mother would buy me cute clothes and put outfits together for me. Ever since, I have had an interest in clothing. On top of that, “Barbie dolls” were popular, and I used to dress them up and accessorise them. I was born in raised in a city with many shops that sold fabric. Once I entered junior high school, I was determined to buy fabric, and make my own clothes. However, I did not have any insight on how to do so. I then decided to get an education in clothes making. In 2015, I finally made my way to Japan for the purpose of studying fashion.
Describe the inspiration and concept behind your work. Talk us through your final project and your research process. How did that come about?
I was inspired by an Instagram account that uploads photos of people’s hands on the subway, called @subwayhands. I saw a photo of a person holding a bouquet of flowers, and started to imagine them going to see a loved one. I wanted to pour that “lovey-dovey” feeling into my clothes. The concept title is “The Colours of Love”. Love has many different forms. I specifically thought of passionate love when designing the collection. I imagined the happy state of going to see a loved one, and expressing your love to them. In order to capture that passionate love, I combined varying colourful patterns. Some techniques I used include, CAD knitting, foam printing, dyeing and digital printing.
Tell us about your design process. How do you work? How do you take your research and develop your own designs?
The main focus was the “passionate” aspect of love. I included big and voluminous forms in the clothing with energy and liveliness flowing out. In the beginning I collected images of love, and specifically picked images I associated with passion. The impression I had on such love, was amplified and powerful, so I included that into the patterns and the finish on the fabric.
Tell us about your Collection Development. How do you toile, how do you like to pattern cut, do you like to drape?
I used both draping and pattern-cutting for my work in this collection. I first draped it onto a half scale dress form and create somewhat of a structured piece. I then deconstructed that and connected it to a different piece and reconstructed it through various experimenting.
Talk us through your final collection and each outfit. Why where these the final designs?
For the first design, I started with a double-sized shirt, changed direction, and twisted it.
In the second design by adding a belt to the front panel, it changes the shape and overall look when its worn on the body.
Because I wanted the third design to be incredibly voluminous, I used quilt batting and a tulle skirt to increase the volume.
The forth design was the first item I made. I changed the direction different ways to create more depth and interest.
The fifth design is contrived by putting three different dresses together. There is an additional dress coming out of the inner layer of the dress.
The vest on the sixth design, started out as a triangle. I then gathered everything and pinned it to the shoulders.
In design number seven, I focused on 2 types of knitted pattern and texture which created dimension effect.
The final design began as a square, and then I added more squares to connect everything.
I chose each design so that it gives off a powerful and happy image. I included the feeling of love through different patterns and volume in the clothing.
What materials have you used within the collection and how did you source them? Why were this the right material for your collection?
I mainly used digital printing for my collection. I used lots of polyester in order to make the print more visible. Also, I mixed and matched varying types of textiles, such as, cotton, knit, and wool. In order to increase the volume of each piece, I placed quilt batting in between fabrics. I mostly went to the fabric store on campus, and sometimes ordered online through Chinese websites.
Tell us about your illustration technics. Explain your final line up and what art materials and technics you use to showcase it.
I start off by drawing a rough sketch on my iPad. I then start draping on a half scale body form. After that is fully constructed, I take a photo of it and create a more detailed design illustration.
What part of your final project have you enjoyed most and why? ie, the research and concept or maybe the manufacturing of the collection.
I had the most fun accessorising. I used various crystals sponsored by Swarovski Japan, and placed them one by one onto the clothing. I also created earrings, necklaces and broaches with clay. I had fun doing this type of manual work.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
I believe the current fashion industry is very developed. I constantly think about what type of fashion sense and ability I have, what I can bring to the table, and what I want to tell the world. Fashion is constantly changing and moving to the next thing. For example, COVID-19 has changed many people’s way of living, including, values, beauty standards, and ways of expressing oneself. Fashion designers need to be aware of this, and find and create new solutions from their own perspective.
What is your plan once you finish your BA? Where do you wish to be in the future?
After I graduate, I would like to be successful as a designer. For this collection, I was inspired from my daily life, and I would like to continue to focus on society, and create new things. Understanding my surroundings and having a perspective, and though that I want to showcase my worldview through the clothes I make to everyone.