Windowsen

I have always loved dancing, singing, and fashion, of course, since I was a kid. It is probably partly because of that that I often got bullied at school, but luckily my family was supportive, and this experience didn’t hurt me too much.

Definitely! Actually, the idea of becoming a fashion designer appeared to me when I was studying music performance. I saw so many stunning stage costumes backstage and every time I was amazed and inspired. This influence reveals itself subtly in my designs.

I never wanted to create an eponymous brand. It’s like your parents give a name to their child, and you name your brand the same way. I like the Windows 95/96/97/98 operating system and its classic colours. To me, the system in that era represented the future, which corresponds to the core value of my brand. At the same time, 'Window' from Windowsen also has a literal meaning. The window speaks to the bridge Windowsen makes between my universe and the outer world, to present my worldview, to gain understanding and community. And the word ‘Windows’ ends up with a ‘s’ which is my name’s initial letter, so you still see ‘me’ in the name.

Antwerp has made me stronger, it trained me to create and work in a hyper stressed environment. I had a system established during studying there and I learnt to express and communicate my designs in a more radical way.

No, not really. There’s no specific concept to start with, but it is always futuristic-related, and I try to depict a full story through my collection, like TV dramas as in Black Mirror. Before starting a new collection, I immerse myself in scientific films, TV dramas, or YouTube channels that inspire me with new discoveries and anecdotes. I rewatch them and sometimes just let them play and simply hear the sound.

I returned to China because I had finished studying and Covid just happened at the time. To me, China is a better place for work and production. Also, my friends here have been sending lots of support to me. For the latest couture collection, the idea came naturally to me because I like hybridity and the fusion of different cultures - as in Barbie with the Chinese Zodiac. Barbie is one of the typical characters of the West, and the 12 Zodiac signs come from Chinese traditional culture. Each individual can find their signs in Chinese Zodiac, similar to Western astrology. I wanted to create my own with all the symbols and creatures I like, including the Chinese lion, panda, and Western dragon, and I hope my audiences can relate and fit into one of these roles born in my dreamland.

Of course! I feel like I’ve passed the age where I show my personality with what I wear [laughs]. So instead, I chose to express what I relate to through my designs.

First, I am really happy that you can read and understand my designs! I think our future should be more tolerant than society now, and gender-free clothing will become one of the normal options and welcomed by more people. It’s also what I am striving for.

I believe that I haven't peaked yet, and my highlight is still on its way. In the short term, my goal is to keep the brand running the way I want, and to create a dreamland of Windowsen for my community.

As well as the idea of Barbie with the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs as mentioned previously, the inspiration behind the sculptural zodiac looks came from a spontaneous moment when I rolled up some organza fabric for a friend and the fabric turned into a bear-like shape, though it was quite abstract. After that, I had the thought to experiment with the technique and apply it to my making process, layering miles of organza and then trimming to the silhouette of each character. We spent over 300 hours on each look.

I can’t foresee the future of fashion, but I hope the industry will be more inclusive. Each brand has its own voice just as flowers do as they bloom in a garden, and Windowsen will be one of them, a fierce Venus fly trap [laughs].