It’s a busy month in London, what with London Fashion Week (LFW) and London Design Festival (LDF) slowly creeping up. And as part of the 2015 UK-China Year of Cultural Exchange, both programmes promise a rich showcase of Chinese art and design. In light of this, we spoke with emerging fashion designer Min Wu, who will be unveiling her new collection at LFW, about her upcoming presentation.
Tell us about your new collection.
My new collection is inspired by body supports. Every season I try to work on something more philosophical, and this time I was really impressed by the design of these kinds of bands and vests. I think that both the material and form – how they twist and cross one another, and how they subsequently sit on the body – look really beautiful. These kinds of aids are quite functional devices related to supporting the spine, but somehow it looks nice and makes a good effect. Some details in my new collection are also inspired by the structure of the muscles in the back.
So, I took these elements and worked them into my new collection. Some pieces are a bit sporty, and some feature adjustable straps. Furthermore, the material I am using looks like silk, but it is actually denim. It’s not usually my type of thing, but after applying this tape, the end result is more my kind of style – more sporty and high tech.
I am also presenting a new print, which I have nicknamed the “bruise” print. I didn’t realise this resembled a bruise until I peered at it more closely – and I think it actually matches this season’s concept quite nicely. Finally, we are also going to produce a fashion film, which will illustrate how each piece in this collection can be adjusted and played with. I have a new logo too, which will be incorporated. The new line is going to be affordable, but still special.
Can you tell us a bit more about how the initial idea came to you?
When I was searching Taobao, these items just popped up as recommended products. I then saw pictures and started researching from there. I like shopping on Taobao, not just for finding things, but also to seek out new things. They sell everything on this platform now – and something that might not be conventionally labelled as trimmings, for example, can be used for that purpose; sometimes, I see some objects and think: “Actually that can be used for detailing in my clothes”. So, I enjoy spending some time on Taobao when I’m free — it’s like Pinterest for me.
Who do you see wearing your clothes? Who is your target market?
I take a lot of advice from people around me, those who I think I am targeting. And myself as well — I often ask myself if I would wear this or not.
How active are you in China?
I am going back to Shanghai for Shanghai Fashion Week, and much of our production takes place in China as well. I want to do more projects there because everyone knows it’s a huge market, but at the same time I’m trying to maintain a balance between operating here in the UK and in China. We recently did a promotional event with Taobao for our casual line as well, but it didn’t work out quite so well. I think it’s because the target market is different. When they (Taobao) do something officially, it’s for a bigger audience, so it’s actually for a lower price range. But we don’t really fit into that. There’s still a huge market for our price range though. It’s just about finding the right platform.
Why did you decide to base yourself out of the UK?
Most of my resources are here; for example, I know where to find a good photographer or a good pattern cutter. In China, it can be difficult to work these things out. I quite enjoy how it works here.
What are you most proud of so far?
I am proud of finishing my first presentation in February 2014. This was my first – I had never done one before and I really put a lot of effort into my show. Hopefully, this next season will be just as successful. It’s a real big step for me because my collection last season was very different. This time, I am concentrating a lot more on the direction and marketing of my work. And we are showing a digital presentation with the British Fashion Council! So, it’s a bit different, and I am looking forward to seeing what’s going to happen after this season.
Where do you hope to be in the future?
I want to build up my team — that’s my biggest hope. Because I am currently doing everything, so I want to be able to afford a team to work for me — one that is happy, content and reliable. This will help me to get everything on track, so that’s all I want. I can then focus on designing, and directing the brand. Hopefully, we can start from this season and sell a lot!
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