Do you want to live an average life? Chances are that the answer to that question is no.

We all like to grow up with big dreams that make us believe we will be extraordinary and successful one day.

We want to be exceptional, and often we want it all – the career, the relationship, the status, and the experiences that come along with it.

And it’s only gotten worse with social media. Now that you can share images and videos of your extravagant – or perfectly normal – life on Instagram, why settle for anything less than spectacular?

Something or someone may seem extraordinary at a particular moment. Still, they will eventually be forgotten or become ordinary or common in our everyday living if we look through life at the macroscopic level. Often at mid-age, we suddenly realise we have not learnt much and have achieved nothing. After many encounters with the struggles, we realised we were just ordinary people and had no power to turn the tide.

Life itself is ordinary, but we are shamed to accept our ordinariness. That’s the way of the ego. The ego wants to do something distinguished. The ego wants to do something difficult,  challenging,  and special-something, making it feel extraordinary, so its sense of pride is inflated.

Embracing our ordinary nature does not mean we should dim our light, play down our strengths, and lower our standards. We can still find the extraordinary in the ordinary. To discover it, we must maintain a sense of childlike curiosity and wonder toward the familiar.

A drop of water can quench your thirst, but when it is not available, something as ordinary as water can become extraordinary for you. Man is born extraordinary, but his mind thinks he is ordinary. So, the desire to be extraordinary appears. It is a false ego that wants to be special. But when you are in the present, the weird feeling of being more distinguished than others disappears.

The designer is inspired by the philosophy of the extraordinary and the ordinary, – Studies the qualities of some extraordinary people in history and the ordinary person, – Observes our ordinary daily objects used or invented today and over time, – Researches how ancient Chinese designed the traditional patterns representing extraordinary allegories by painting the ordinary objects from our life and nature, – Studies the ordinary and unusual geometric shapes, – Understand the most favoured and rare colours in this world, – and also looks back at the most common fashion pieces or styles of our modern time.

Based on four common items of clothing, which are Jackets, white Shirts, T-shirts, and Jeans, we explore the possibilities of transforming the classic shape of clothing and providing multiple uses of single clothes. The prints designed for the collection are rather bold. The principle for creating these artworks is Inspired by how the traditional patterns in ancient China were created. Our ancestors often observe nature and life and discovered the extraordinary characteristics or qualities in something. Therefore, certain common objects, plants, or animals, – which are stylised in the traditional patterns, – represent mostly rich allegories. They have influenced our today’s thinking, our beliefs, our willpower, and our culture. The artworks of SS23 recreate several average daily objects in our modern time, and an artistic world of social media networks, which has an extraordinary impact on today’s living. They are merged with traditional Chinese patterns, such as silkworm and chrysanthemum patterns, and add symbolic flowers in ancient Chinese patterns and culture, including Lotus and osmanthus.

The shades of subtle Blue are the dominant and the most popular colour in this collection, – followed by Gainsboro Green, lavender Grey, and Brick Red, – with a hint of saffron, dark coral, cinnamon satin, and old gold. However, most of these colours and patterns are concealed by the skin, built by the suiting fabric, the shirting fabric, or denim. In contrast with the gentle and colourful feel inside, it brings surprises and discovers the little extra within. We want people to discover the little extra in every piece from the SS23 Collection – “THE ORDINARY”. Each style can be revealed with a new and special look, but it also can be turned back to its original average form. Like most of our lives, we are just ordinary in the end.

Do you want to live an average life? Chances are that the answer to that question is no.

We all like to grow up with big dreams that make us believe we will be extraordinary and successful one day.

We want to be exceptional, and often we want it all – the career, the relationship, the status, and the experiences that come along with it.

And it’s only gotten worse with social media. Now that you can share images and videos of your extravagant – or perfectly normal – life on Instagram, why settle for anything less than spectacular?

Something or someone may seem extraordinary at a particular moment. Still, they will eventually be forgotten or become ordinary or common in our everyday living if we look through life at the macroscopic level. Often at mid-age, we suddenly realise we have not learnt much and have achieved nothing. After many encounters with the struggles, we realised we were just ordinary people and had no power to turn the tide.

Life itself is ordinary, but we are shamed to accept our ordinariness. That’s the way of the ego. The ego wants to do something distinguished. The ego wants to do something difficult,  challenging,  and special-something, making it feel extraordinary, so its sense of pride is inflated.

Embracing our ordinary nature does not mean we should dim our light, play down our strengths, and lower our standards. We can still find the extraordinary in the ordinary. To discover it, we must maintain a sense of childlike curiosity and wonder toward the familiar.

A drop of water can quench your thirst, but when it is not available, something as ordinary as water can become extraordinary for you. Man is born extraordinary, but his mind thinks he is ordinary. So, the desire to be extraordinary appears. It is a false ego that wants to be special. But when you are in the present, the weird feeling of being more distinguished than others disappears.

The designer is inspired by the philosophy of the extraordinary and the ordinary, – Studies the qualities of some extraordinary people in history and the ordinary person, – Observes our ordinary daily objects used or invented today and over time, – Researches how ancient Chinese designed the traditional patterns representing extraordinary allegories by painting the ordinary objects from our life and nature, – Studies the ordinary and unusual geometric shapes, – Understand the most favoured and rare colours in this world, – and also looks back at the most common fashion pieces or styles of our modern time.

Based on four common items of clothing, which are Jackets, white Shirts, T-shirts, and Jeans, we explore the possibilities of transforming the classic shape of clothing and providing multiple uses of single clothes. The prints designed for the collection are rather bold. The principle for creating these artworks is Inspired by how the traditional patterns in ancient China were created. Our ancestors often observe nature and life and discovered the extraordinary characteristics or qualities in something. Therefore, certain common objects, plants, or animals, – which are stylised in the traditional patterns, – represent mostly rich allegories. They have influenced our today’s thinking, our beliefs, our willpower, and our culture. The artworks of SS23 recreate several average daily objects in our modern time, and an artistic world of social media networks, which has an extraordinary impact on today’s living. They are merged with traditional Chinese patterns, such as silkworm and chrysanthemum patterns, and add symbolic flowers in ancient Chinese patterns and culture, including Lotus and osmanthus.

The shades of subtle Blue are the dominant and the most popular colour in this collection, – followed by Gainsboro Green, lavender Grey, and Brick Red, – with a hint of saffron, dark coral, cinnamon satin, and old gold. However, most of these colours and patterns are concealed by the skin, built by the suiting fabric, the shirting fabric, or denim. In contrast with the gentle and colourful feel inside, it brings surprises and discovers the little extra within. We want people to discover the little extra in every piece from the SS23 Collection – “THE ORDINARY”. Each style can be revealed with a new and special look, but it also can be turned back to its original average form. Like most of our lives, we are just ordinary in the end.

The pandemic is such an unprecedented time that we all face various big challenges and uncertainties. To be resilient and optimistic towards the future, we can only try to overcome these hurdles and recover again. One night, the designer Vincent was inspired by the Belgian movie “MISS”. It connected the designer with its modern style fairy tale story. The movie tackles the emancipatory quest of a young man who finds his light in his femininity, encouraged by his chosen family which supports him in his slightly mad bet: to become Miss France, and perhaps, in the same movement, awaken consciences. To stay out of the comfort zone with courage and a positive attitude, the designer imagines that maybe the impossible is possible.

The SS22 Collection “The Rock and Skin” aims to reflect the urge of breaking through the current troubles and unknown future, in order to seek new possibilities. As the brand’s aesthetic has not been defined by gender, and desires to create a new chapter with an open mind and a more inclusive view of our life.

The movie also inspired the designer to explore further into our modern gender identities with the styles, as Vincent always wants to push the boundaries and rules of design. Some questions were lingering inside his mind. “Must we define western styles or eastern styles?”,  “What is our unique signature for the future?”, “As an independent label, under the pandemic, how do we balance our brand identity with the changes in buying patterns?”

We do not define an article of clothing by gender and age, but aim to resolve it to become a stronger unique signature that will be redefined. The designs not only care for our feelings, but also cater for its functions. They can be adaptable with more body shapes, and can be styled in various ways. More importantly, we care for our environment, the community, and the next generation.

“The rock and skin” refers back to the Chinese character “破”, which means “Breaking”. SS22 Collection evokes its emotions with exclusively designed artwork prints. The color palette of the collection is in pastels, earthy and light tones. We illustrate and digitalise the artwork in a more tangible scale rather than the previous abstract feelings. The prints of the brand used to be dominant, but now it has become a highlight detail or complements the entire look.  Through the eye of orientalism, more feminine aspects and Chinese styles are added into the design. The collection juxtaposes the structure with collaging contrasting textiles, and colors. It still maintains the brand’s slight oversized look but has a more defined A-line silhouette. Versatility and a hint of humor can be seen through the design of the pieces, such as the kilt-like belt, sleeve-like fasteners, de-attachable lapels and sleeves, separate collar pieces, or cropped sleeveless shirt for overlaying.

The fashion collection “Dawn’s Awakening” is a poetic homage to the celestial phenomenon of dawn – a mesmerising symbol of rebirth, evolution, and boundless opportunities. Drawn to the enchanting verses that extol the transformative power of dawn, the designer found inspiration in the alchemy of its hues and luminosity, which breathe life into the world.

“Dawn’s Awakening” marks a momentous milestone as it commemorates the tenth anniversary of the fashion brand. In pursuit of a fresh start and an intimate connection with the inception of new possibilities, the designer embarked on an artistic voyage, blending the past and present. By harnessing the ingenuity of Al, evocative imagery was born, encapsulating the essence of each unique and celestial fashion tale.

Embracing the ephemeral beauty of ipomoea indica, the blue morning glory, the collection dances with delicate echoes of the flower’s graceful form. These ethereal blooms are lovingly woven into the very fabric of the garments, infusing them with a touch of elegance and an allegory of resurgence, rebirth, and revitalisation.

“Dawn’s Awakening” aspires to evoke a tranquil aura, reflecting the serenity of dawn’s early hours. The silhouettes take on an effortlessly relaxed and airy grace, draping the wearer in a delicate embrace that allows for unbounded movement. Silken velvets, silk-wool blends, and lightweight cotton harmonise to transcend the boundary between comfort and glamour.

Intricately crafted digital prints breathe life into the collection, manifesting the Morning Glory’s enchanting palette of shapes, hues, and motifs. Each petal and leaf has been delicately sliced and skilfully rearranged, creating an illusion of mesmerising movement. Like luminous fireworks against the canvas of the sky and lake, these prints spark a sense of awe and enchantment.

The palette of “Dawn’s Awakening” orchestrates a symphony of hues inspired by the celestial miracles of a sunrise. Ethereal shades of blues intertwine with pale pinks, regal purples, and majestic violets, harmonised by soothing pastel greens, vibrant oranges, and captivating deep red pinks. This celestial colour palette encapsulates the breath-taking allure of dawn’s gentle touch.

The collection breaks the boundaries and bravely explores the intersection of art and fashion. It embodies the pursuit of freedom, uniqueness and individuality. “Dawn’s Awakening” materialises as a luminous celebration of rebirth, growth, and the never-ending realm of possibilities that bloom from embracing new beginnings. The seamless fusion of poetic inspiration, ephemeral floral whispers, cutting-edge technologies, and an enchanting colour palette gives birth to a collection that reverberates with the profound transformative energy and ethereal beauty of the dawn.

I am happy to present our upcoming collection, “Dawn’s Awakening.” This collection is a poetic tribute to the enchanting phenomenon of dawn, symbolising rebirth, evolution, and boundless opportunities.

As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of our fashion brand, “Dawn’s Awakening” marks a significant milestone, intertwining the past and present to embrace new possibilities. Inspired by the transformative power of dawn, we have harnessed the chemistry of its hues and luminosity to breathe life into this collection.

Embracing the brief beauty of the blue morning glory, our garments entwine delicate echoes of the flower’s graceful form, infusing them with elegance and a resurgence, rebirth, and revitalisation narrative.

With an aspiration to evoke a peaceful aura, the silhouettes in “Dawn’s Awakening” reflect the calmness of dawn’s early hours, allowing for unbounded movement and comfort. Our prints and colours breathe life into the collection, capturing the enchanting palette of shapes, hues, and motifs of the morning glory, orchestrating  a symphony inspired by the celestial miracles of a sunrise. Ethereal shades of blues intertwine with pale pinks, regal purples, and majestic violets harmonised by soothing pastel greens, vibrant oranges, and captivating deep red pinks.

This collection boldly explores the intersection of art and fashion while embodying the pursuit of freedom, uniqueness, and individuality. “Dawn’s Awakening” is a luminous celebration of rebirth, growth, and the infinite possibilities that emerge from embracing new beginnings.

The pandemic is such an unprecedented time that we all face various big challenges and uncertainties. To be resilient and optimistic towards the future, we can only try to overcome these hurdles and recover again. One night, the designer Vincent was inspired by the Belgian movie “MISS”. It connected the designer with its modern style fairy tale story. The movie tackles the emancipatory quest of a young man who finds his light in his femininity, encouraged by his chosen family which supports him in his slightly mad bet: to become Miss France, and perhaps, in the same movement, awaken consciences. To stay out of the comfort zone with courage and a positive attitude, the designer imagines that maybe the impossible is possible.

The SS22 Collection “The Rock and Skin” aims to reflect the urge of breaking through the current troubles and unknown future, in order to seek new possibilities. As the brand’s aesthetic has not been defined by gender, and desires to create a new chapter with an open mind and a more inclusive view of our life.

The movie also inspired the designer to explore further into our modern gender identities with the styles, as Vincent always wants to push the boundaries and rules of design. Some questions were lingering inside his mind. “Must we define western styles or eastern styles?”,  “What is our unique signature for the future?”, “As an independent label, under the pandemic, how do we balance our brand identity with the changes in buying patterns?”

We do not define an article of clothing by gender and age, but aim to resolve it to become a stronger unique signature that will be redefined. The designs not only care for our feelings, but also cater for its functions. They can be adaptable with more body shapes, and can be styled in various ways. More importantly, we care for our environment, the community, and the next generation.

“The rock and skin” refers back to the Chinese character “破”, which means “Breaking”. SS22 Collection evokes its emotions with exclusively designed artwork prints. The color palette of the collection is in pastels, earthy and light tones. We illustrate and digitalise the artwork in a more tangible scale rather than the previous abstract feelings. The prints of the brand used to be dominant, but now it has become a highlight detail or complements the entire look.  Through the eye of orientalism, more feminine aspects and Chinese styles are added into the design. The collection juxtaposes the structure with collaging contrasting textiles, and colors. It still maintains the brand’s slight oversized look but has a more defined A-line silhouette. Versatility and a hint of humor can be seen through the design of the pieces, such as the kilt-like belt, sleeve-like fasteners, de-attachable lapels and sleeves, separate collar pieces, or cropped sleeveless shirt for overlaying.

GENDERLESS COLLECTION – VOICE WITHOUT TRACE II

The voices are lingering around us from the distances in the dark. Real or Imagination? They seem questioning our actions, our morals, and our sins. No one seems like to believe with our answers. The voices control upon us. We feel panic. We feel anxious. We feel insecure. We feel vulnerable. Finally, it is reaching to our limits. Will you fall off the cliff and be crashed into dust? Or stay true to your own and embrace the words of the opinions with brave? Perhaps, the lights are just going to show through the thick clouds sooner.

Vincent Li dived into a surreal journey. The voices are shifting between the hallucination and the reality. Sometimes the voices are descriptive, are judgmental, are arguing, or are extremely harsh. Sometimes the sound of the voices surrounding us is familiar. They could be the talking from our closer and loved ones. Illusion involves distortedly misinterpreted real perception. We feel uneasy, feel depressed, feel lonely, feel scared, and feel hopeless. This a dark, and traumatized experiences.

The design process always starts with exploring the depths of a mental illness and transforming it into what some may see as a piece of wearable art. The collection is dark, mysterious, and sensual, through the distorted shapes and sound-wave like details. The designer uses the shades and textiles of BLACK COLOURS in a sustainable wool collection, by adding Satin, Silk, Linen, and Crepe. The digital Printing Artworks are also created in moody dark palette, and some of them are digitally printed on wool. The collection balances the heavy elements with the sleepwear feelings silhouette, to convey the comfort and ease.

“摸不着的声音” 系列 II

​

黑暗中远方的声音在我们周围徘徊。真实还是想象？他们似乎在质疑我们的行为，我们的道德和我们的罪过。似乎没人相信我们的答案。声音控制着我们。我们感到恐慌。我们感到焦虑。我们感到不安全。我们感到脆弱。最后，它达到了我们的极限。您会从悬崖上掉下来并坠入尘土吗？还是忠于自己，勇敢地接受意见？也许，光很快就会穿过厚厚的云层显现出来。

Vincent Li经历了这段超现实的旅程。声音在幻觉和现实之间转移。有时，声音是描述性的，判断性的，争论性的或极其刺耳的。有时我们周围的声音听起来很熟悉。他们可能是我们亲人之间的谈话。幻象涉及扭曲的误解的真实感知。我们感到不安，沮丧，孤独，害怕和绝望。这是一次黑暗而痛苦的经历。

设计过程始终始于探索精神疾病的深处，并将其转化为某些人可能认为是可穿戴艺术的东西。通过扭曲的形状和类似声波的细节，该系列是黑暗，神秘和感性的。设计师在这个环保的羊毛系列中使用暗黑系的色调和纺织品， 包括缎面，丝绸，亚麻，和绉纱。数码印花设计也用喜怒无常的深色调制成，其中一些数码印花印刷在羊毛材质上。该系列在沉重元素与睡衣感觉轮廓之间取得平衡，传达舒适感和轻松感。

The voices are lingering around us from the distances in the dark. Real or Imagination? They seem questioning our actions, our morals, and our sins. No one seems like to believe with our answers. The voices control upon us. We feel panic. We feel anxious. We feel insecure. We feel vulnerable. Finally, it is reaching to our limits. Will you fall off the cliff and be crashed into dust? Or stay true to your own and embrace the words of the opinions with brave? Perhaps, the lights are just going to show through the thick clouds sooner.

Vincent Li dived into a surreal journey. The voices are shifting between the hallucination and the reality. Sometimes the voices are descriptive, are judgmental, are arguing, or are extremely harsh. Sometimes the sound of the voices surrounding us is familiar. They could be the talking from our closer and loved ones. Illusion involves distortedly misinterpreted real perception. We feel uneasy, feel depressed, feel lonely, feel scared, and feel hopeless. This a dark, and traumatized experiences.

The design process always starts with exploring the depths of a mental illness and transforming it into what some may see as a piece of wearable art. The collection is dark, mysterious, and sensual, through the distorted shapes and sound-wave like details. The designer uses the shades and textiles of BLACK COLOURS in a sustainable wool collection, by adding Satin, Silk, Linen, and Crepe. The digital Printing Artworks are also created in moody dark palette, and some of them are digitally printed on wool. The collection balances the heavy elements with the sleepwear feelings silhouette, to convey the comfort and ease.

“摸不着的声音” 系列

​

黑暗中远方的声音在我们周围徘徊。真实还是想象？他们似乎在质疑我们的行为，我们的道德和我们的罪过。似乎没人相信我们的答案。声音控制着我们。我们感到恐慌。我们感到焦虑。我们感到不安全。我们感到脆弱。最后，它达到了我们的极限。您会从悬崖上掉下来并坠入尘土吗？还是忠于自己，勇敢地接受意见？也许，光很快就会穿过厚厚的云层显现出来。

Vincent Li经历了这段超现实的旅程。声音在幻觉和现实之间转移。有时，声音是描述性的，判断性的，争论性的或极其刺耳的。有时我们周围的声音听起来很熟悉。他们可能是我们亲人之间的谈话。幻象涉及扭曲的误解的真实感知。我们感到不安，沮丧，孤独，害怕和绝望。这是一次黑暗而痛苦的经历。

设计过程始终始于探索精神疾病的深处，并将其转化为某些人可能认为是可穿戴艺术的东西。通过扭曲的形状和类似声波的细节，该系列是黑暗，神秘和感性的。设计师在这个环保的羊毛系列中使用暗黑系的色调和纺织品， 包括缎面，丝绸，亚麻，和绉纱。数码印花设计也用喜怒无常的深色调制成，其中一些数码印花印刷在羊毛材质上。该系列在沉重元素与睡衣感觉轮廓之间取得平衡，传达舒适感和轻松感。

Photographer: Alex Lim

Hair: Peter Cky

Make Up: Deep

Model: TAKURO PAKYANDORIS

The Collection “MIRRIGANG” is a collaboration of the Ngarigo queer visual and performance artist – Peter Waples-Crowe and the Melbourne-based Genderless Menswear – VINCENT LI

Vincent Li’s s persona is deeply infused into every piece he creates. The design process always starts with exploring the depths of an intellectual topic and transforming a theme into what some may see as a piece of wearable art.

As the artist – Peter says, “I’m inside the culture because I’m Aboriginal; I’m outside because I’m gay. I’m inside gay culture because I am gay. I’m outside because I’m Aboriginal.” Exploring dislocation, indigeneity, popular culture and spirituality, the artist attempts to bring consciousness to the erasure and loss of Aboriginality. Peter Waoles-Crowe has used the “DINGO” as his artistic symbol. “It’s seen as a native animal but it isn’t afforded the same protective status as other pretty native animals, like Koalas.”

The collection reflects the past, present, and future artistic creations of the artist, the messages to our culture and society from both Vincent and Peter, and the nature characteristics of the “WILD DOG”.

By using “MIRRIGANG” (wild dog) as a symbol, the collaborative pair creates a bold entrancing original collection through an A-Line silhouette via a wedge shape. The feelings of struggling with identity, dislocation, and conflicts are conveyed through its collaged textile, digital prints, embroideries, hand-painted artwork, versatile, de-attachable, and reversible designs in each piece.

Photographer: Alex Lim

Director/Music Composer/Editor: Hinny Mantra

Director of Photographer/1st Assistant Director: Jonathan HO

Hair: Dennis Tsui

Make Up: Grace Lam

Model: Chiyung Yiu

The Collection “MIRRIGANG” is a collaboration of the Ngarigo queer visual and performance artist – Peter Waples-Crowe and the Melbourne-based Genderless Menswear – VINCENT LI

Vincent Li’s s persona is deeply infused into every piece he creates. The design process always starts with exploring the depths of an intellectual topic and transforming a theme into what some may see as a piece of wearable art.

As the artist – Peter says, “I’m inside the culture because I’m Aboriginal; I’m outside because I’m gay. I’m inside gay culture because I am gay. I’m outside because I’m Aboriginal.” Exploring dislocation, indigeneity, popular culture and spirituality, the artist attempts to bring consciousness to the erasure and loss of Aboriginality. Peter Waoles-Crowe has used the “DINGO” as his artistic symbol. “It’s seen as a native animal but it isn’t afforded the same protective status as other pretty native animals, like Koalas.”

The collection reflects the past, present, and future artistic creations of the artist, the messages to our culture and society from both Vincent and Peter, and the nature characteristics of the “WILD DOG”.

By using “MIRRIGANG” (wild dog) as a symbol, the collaborative pair creates a bold entrancing original collection through an A-Line silhouette via a wedge shape. The feelings of struggling with identity, dislocation, and conflicts are conveyed through its collaged textile, digital prints, embroideries, hand-painted artwork, versatile, de-attachable, and reversible designs in each piece.

Photographer: Clint Peloso

Film: Noel Smyth Films

Make Up and Hair: Curlysiouxsie

Model: Josh Dean Official

There is a poem from Southern Song Dynasty that read: “After endless mountains and rivers that leave doubt whether there is a path out, suddenly one encounters the shade of a willow, bright flowers and a lovely village.”

Life always gives you a second chance, which is called as “Future”. The designer draws the inspiration from his own experiences. He thinks that life has given himself many second chances. At the first time, you could not do well, because of ignorance, foolish, or missing a rare opportunity. However, will you have the courage to take and second chance and start all over it again? Or, how many second chances will you have? At the second time, we need to learn, to prepare, to be fearless, to be humble, and to get reenergized. Back to Zero, so we can find the most pure and more natural things. Just like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, life reborn.

The concept leads you to see a circular-like silhouette that is contrasted by different textures, and layers. Contemplate the prints, what emotion does it evoke – the lightness, freshness, purity, and simplicity.

Photographer: Ray Ranoa

Film: BarrLipp Films

Make Up and Hair: Curlysiouxsie

Model: Josh Dean Official