Design Focus: Ms Liu Min
Xiamen-based designer, Liu Min, graduated from London’s College of Fashion in 2007 and, since launching her own label, Ms Min, in 2010, has impressed the fashion world with her modern aesthetic.
Her latest collection, entitled “Nature” has less of a urban warrior woman feel than previous efforts, it’s softer lines and cool, effortless fabrics just another bow in this impressive young designer’s quiver.
Ms Min herself spoke to Hey by Hong’s Casey Hall about the new direction, her relationship with Lane Crawford, and what’s in store for the future.
Hey by Hong: Your current, “Nature” collection seems less structured and, if this is the right description, overtly urban than previous collections, what were the main influences for this collection?
Liu Min: The Inspiration of this Collection started with the fabrics – lightweight Swiss cotton, linen, silks, fine gauge cashmere – fabrics in their natural state and in neutral tones, such as white and cream on the lighter side, and navy and black on the dark side. This collection for me was really about the nature of woman. Clothes that feel good and allow the wearer to be the focus, featuring fabric and drape with intimate, gentle details.
HBH: How much do your surroundings impact on your designs?
LM: I’m not sure that it’s immediate surroundings that Inspire my design as much as current mood or even recent reading or travel. It’s usually a feeling that comes just before design time and it can be inspired by so many different factors.
HBH: You are currently one of only three local Chinese designers stocked at Lane Crawford. The multi-brand retail model, though growing, is still quite under-developed in China, how big a difference has it made for you to be able to have your designs in a major multi-brand retailer?
LM: I think Lane Crawford has been a blessing and I’m very happy to be there. Designers need a platform for their works to be shown and sold. The Expansion of this sector is a must for Chinese brands; otherwise designers need to open their own retail, which is a very costly venture. Shops like Dong Liang have also been a very good platform for Chinese design. They house their designers with care and respect.
HBH: A number of people I speak with these days believe the next evolution in luxury consumption in China with be a turn towards local luxury brands. Is Chinese design the “next big thing” in China?
LM: With so much attention being paid to the luxury sector by Chinese consumers in and out of China, it is refreshing to see that Chinese luxury consumers are starting to support Chinese designer brands.
HBH: You’ve now shown at London Fashion Week and had your Met Gala debut with Sarah Rutson (Lane Crawford’s former fashion director) wearing one of your designs, what are your ambitions for the brand?
LM: Organic growth is one goal, I haven’t set too many. It’s been hard to keep up with the pace of growth over the last two years. I have been very blessed.
My intention is to keep reinvesting in the product, constantly improving. As a designer I feel fortunate to have the platform and the audience to do what I love.
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