When a designer creates an accessory that no one has seen before, it often becomes an instant signature. That is exactly what happened with Fengchen Wang’s bamboo bags. Frequently seen clutched by influencers at fashion weeks, the various iterations — from heart-shaped to faux fur-trimmed — embody the Chinese designer’s raw craft-driven approach to fashion.
Since launching her eponymous menswear brand, Feng Chen Wang, in 2015 after graduating from London’s Royal College of Art, the Fuzhou-born designer has become one of the most globally-known new-era talents to hail from the mainland. Named an LVMH Prize-nominee in 2016, Wang’s brand became a mainstay at London Fashion Week before moving on to Paris.
Instantly recognizable for innovative garments that promote sustainability through deconstruction, the Chinese brand takes a DIY approach to luxury, making it a hot collaborator for global names including Converse, Nike, Crocs, Levi’s, Pepsi, Ugg, the Beijing Olympics, and Piaggio. Most recently, the brand participated in the first ComplexCon outside of the US.
These are all achievements expected from a designer who counts Beyoncé among one of her first celebrity clients. Here, Jing Daily talks to Wang about her explosive career thus far.
Did you always want to be a fashion designer?
“Art has always been a love of mine; my earliest memories are of art and creating it with my loved ones. I suppose fashion is my medium to express that. My collections are always so personal and being able to put that into something physical, something you can wear, is what draws me to being a fashion designer.”
How has China influenced your work?
“China has and will always influence my work. I continually draw inspiration from growing up in Fuijan, my hometown, and my Chinese heritage. From century-old traditions to future technology, I always honor these practices, shining a spotlight on my culture and educating an audience through my work.”
What has been your favorite moment of your career?
“It was an immense honor to represent my country and design the uniforms for the flag bearers of the Beijing Olympics in 2022. Being able to share my art on such a stage while also sharing my culture and heritage with millions of people around the globe. It was a real ‘pinch me’ moment.”
Which collaboration has been your favorite?
“Converse has been an incredible partner to work with. Each collaboration allows [me] to go even further, and they are an incredible team to work with creatively. We both share the same values and ethos when it comes to self-expression, and it’s great to find a brand who has so much trust in you as a designer.”
Why is collaboration such a big part of your strategy?
“Collaboration comes naturally for us at the brand — I love working with other creatives. It is always so interesting to see the world through a different lens and present a body of work that is inspired by more than my own experiences. It is not intentional to have done collaborations, but each has allowed me to broaden my knowledge and understanding.”
What advice do you give to young Chinese designers in 2024?
“Be wholeheartedly yourself. There is nothing the world loves more than individuality and uniqueness. If you are able to share that to a wider audience, do it authentically.”