Wei Hung Chen

Grey Sheep

wei07_

Location

new york / united states

University

parsons

Wei Hung’s interest in product design has allowed him to have a more calculative perspective and approach when it comes to designing garments. It has always been about tackling an existing issue, aim to magnify awareness and solve a problem. He approaches design by creating a system of making garments and constantly evolve the system to fit in the industry in terms of practicality. In his final year in Parsons, He has explored and developed a circular system of creating modularized garments that allow different components to travel across the whole collection. This system is an attempt to lengthen lifespan of garments and alter how a wardrobe functions. Alongside garments, he has also created accessories and products to complete this system. He has been chosen as one of the recipients for two sponsorships from Luxottica (eyewear) and Shoe polytechnic (Shoes) for his thesis accessories system. He is also a finalist for Eyes on Talent Award, Kering Empowering Imagination 5.0.

Latest Collection

Modular Cycle

This thesis collection is a result of attempting to solve a problem: waste. The fashion industry has been more developed and celebrated than ever. Unfortunately, the byproducts of this monstrous consumption creates excessive amount of waste. No matter how the industry tries to be environmentally aware, it is still a profit-orientated market, which means one is still trying to sell more in order to earn a higher revenue. At the end of the day, it creates the same amount of waste and could possibly use up more resources attempting to be environmentally friendly. What can be done to resolve this issue completely or to change the infrastructure of this system is a constant question within my mind. Being a fashion designer is no longer as simple as creating a fantasy, but also to raise awareness towards this ongoing crisis and possibly resolve it.

This led to a series of investigating, compartmentalizing garments, and researching closure techniques to discover new methods of utilizing these garment components and redefine how they can be worn and constructed. Making garments modular can maximize a garment’s interchangeability and using a variety of closures can enhance this idea. Imagine if a skirt can be taken apart and become part of your coat, or if two coats can be taken apart and reassembled into one. This allow the wearers to constantly experiment and play with their garments, taking pieces off and putting them back on based on seasons/occasions/trends. This modular formula has made this seven look collection have the ability to morph into a 30 look collection. This infinite interchangeability will ultimately lengthen the garment’s lifespan in one’s closet, allowing it to live beyond seasons and fixed time. Hopefully this can help reduce waste in the fashion industry the long run.

Previous collections

Modular Cycle