165 Strokes / The Future Of Chinese Femininity
- Hair
- Tristan Waikong
- Makeup
- Marian Woo
- Model
- Alena N at Model Genesis
- Styling
- Declan Chan
- Photography
- Laurent Segretier
- Hair
- Tristan Waikong
- Makeup
- Marian Woo
- Model
- Alena N at Model Genesis
When Xiamen-based Liu Min, founder and designer of the eponymous Ms. Min, was invited to take part in Lane Crawford’s 165th anniversary celebrations, she was immediately struck by the extent of its longevity. “It made me think about the long history of luxury and textiles in China’s history,” she says, and in turn, her project sought to connect the past with the future. With life in the country now developing at breakneck speed, her desire for its people to stay grounded and connected to its roots are chief among her hopes, and she also desires a greener environment. Such were the facets that she wanted to capture in a poignant seven-piece capsule collection designed specifically for Lane Crawford’s 165th anniversary.
While Min’s garments are generally created “not for windows, but for women,” and embody a modern simplicity and ease, for her event collection the designer turned to a rich organza silk that she says is almost China’s “national fabric” and a longtime symbol of luxury. The London College of Fashion alumna has long favoured a minimalist black and white palette, but for this occasion, she adds a deep green element to this opulent fabric that speaks of nature and the natural world.
Embellished tassels, a particular type of piped bodice believed in China to be lucky, as well as newly created calligraphic 165 strokes are extra details threaded through designs that further highlight China’s ancient customs.
Flowing skirts, a calf-length coat and dresses with pinched in waists are effortlessly luxurious, and sit alongside perfect casual wear, including pants and boxy shirts, that demonstrate Min’s design prowess and show that she herself is destined for an enduring future.
“I chose the shades because they are grounded. The green represents a connection to nature and I love the way the fabric takes the shade,” she explains.
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